Spectacular Chalice and Paten Set in Solid Silver Contrasted. France, Circa 1900

This amazing French chalice and paten set is fully made of sterling silver and bear hallmarks in all its parts, cup, base and patene. The chalice was made at the turn of the 19th century and the paten is even older. The hallmark that we can see in this piece tells us that it was made around 1840. Both items are extremely beautiful, with their surfaces decorated with hand-engraved motives. As stated before, all the chalices parts bear their corresponding hallmarks: the one that tells us the country where the piece was made (France) and the silversmiths mark. The chalice boasts a stylized design with an ample and stable lobed base. This piece is fully decorated with a motive imitating basket weaving; over this background we can see a classical fringe and a zone with small fleur-de-lis motives. Stack to the base there are three almond-shaped medallions depicting the crucified Christ, the Virgin Mary in a painful attitude and Saint Joseph with his attribute (a flowery branch) respectively. The stem that emerges from the base has two nodes, a small and flat one and a bigger one, also decorated with engraved fleur-de-lis. At the top of the stem remains the cups holder, with a wavy edge and the same decoration as the rest of the chalice. The cup itself is made of sterling silver with no decoration at all; the hallmarks are clearly visible beside the edge. As for the paten that comes with the chalice, it is a really special piece with the monogram IHS (corresponding to Jesus Christ) engraved in the center. The letters are shaped like cups and fish and from the central H emerges a Latin cross. Under the monogram we can see the symbol of the Sacred Heart. The whole motive is framed by a stylized circular fringe depicting the crown of thorns. This amazing chalice and paten set is a real piece of sacred art, perfect to be the every day chalice of any priest. Measurements: Chalice: Width: 5.1 in / 13 cm. Height: 8.6 in / 22 cm. Weight: 362 g. Paten: 5.9 in / 15 cm Diameter. Weight: 95 g.