Impressive Chalice with Paten in solid silver. France, XIX Century

Awesome chalice and paten set made of gold-plated engraved sterling silver. Both pieces come from France and were made in the 19th century. This means that they are more than one hundred years old although they remain in magnificent condition. The chalices design is neo-gothic in style and boasts a delicate decoration with different symbols. The chalice and the paten bear hallmarks in all their parts we can see a mark depicting Minerva goddesss profile (the symbol for French sterling silver) and the silversmiths mark too. The chalice has an ample lobed base decorated with seven symbols engraved into almond-shaped frames. All these symbols are related to the Passion of Christ. For instance, we can see the dice that symbolize the moment when the soldiers that crucified Jesus Christ cast lots upon His vesture. There is also a ladder, an instrument for the Passion and also related to Jacobs ladder (Genesis, 28:12). Other engravings depict a big crossed P, two Crosses and an image of a group of arrows, a reed plant and some kind of whip tied with a band. The rest of the chalice is decorated with delicate abstract and symmetrical motives. The cup bears a beautiful fringe with a series of identical reeds standing on a base composed of long leaves, in a medieval-inspired disposition. On the other hand, the paten bears a nice decoration with a simple fringe of ivy leaves and a central cross-shaped motive. This piece, just like the chalice, is made of gold-plated silver except for the mentioned fringe that remains in non-plated silver and creates a nice contrast with the golden surface. Antique and really attractive, this symbolism-riddled chalice is an exclusive and gorgeous piece. Measurements: Chalice: Width: 14.5 cm. Height: 24.5 cm. Weight: 404 g. Paten: Diameter: 14 cm.