The casket is supposed to have originally served as a container for a small part of the wood from the cross of Jesus, which St Liudger (742–809) had received from the Pope in Rome in 784.

Carved rectangular openwork panels on the casket are made of walrus ivory.

Victor H. Elbern [de] made a detailed study of the casket and attempted a reconstruction between 1956 and 1962.

In 1982 the casket was reconstructed by Hilmar Staude, employee of the Römisch-Germanisches Zentralmuseum, Mainz.

[1]: 283  The front panel has three figures, two winged angels and Christ, his head backed by three arms of the cross.