Antique Solid Silver Chalice and Paten Set. France, XIX Century

This beautiful church set, composed of a nice chalice and a sober paten (both made of sterling silver), comes from France and was made in the 19th century. Its ancient age, elegant design and the intrinsic value of the noble metal it is made of turn it into a very special item. The chalice is a stylized and aristocratic piece, with a timeless and attractive design enhanced by the engraved motives that decorate it. All its parts (base, stem and cup) bear hallmarks that speak for the silvers quality. The paten also bears these hallmarks and is surely the perfect accessory for the antique chalice. The chalices base boasts a sober engraved decoration with delicate floral motives and subtle panels and fringes. The motives depict the classic Eucharistic symbols: the fig with the grape bunches, the Cross with the reeds and the wheat stalks. Over the base, the stem is composed of three nodes: a central one, bigger in size and adorned with simple engravings of flowers and leaves; and two smaller nodes decorated with circles. The cup is smooth and even and is gold-plated inside; it bears the correspondent hallmarks too. The hallmarks are also present at the chalices base. The head of Minerva, the Roman goddess, indicates that this set was made of France; the other mark shows a capital F. The hallmarks can also be seen in the paten. This piece is quite simple, made of golden and raw silver and with a Greek cross in the center as the only decorative detail. The set is really gorgeous and is more than one hundred years old, becoming an exclusive and special piece. This antique chalice and paten set surely deserves a honor place in the best collection of sacred art. Measurements: Chalice: Width: 4.9 in/ 12.5 cm. Height: 8.6 in/22 cm. Weight: 185 g. Paten: Diameter: 5 in/12.5 cm. Weight: 65 g.