Antique Chalice and Paten of Solid Silver, XIX Century.

Fine antique chalice and paten set made in France in the 19th century and in excellent condition. The chalice has silver cup and brass foot, while the paten is made of gold-plated silver. Both pieces bear hallmarks that testify for their quality and origin: we can see the mark with the profile of Minerva goddess (the mark for antique French silver pieces) and the silversmiths mark with the initials V and F. At the chalices base there is an inscription that reads: CAPUCINS COUVENT KOENIGSHOFFEN. These words indicate that the chalice once belonged to a convent of Capuchin nuns located in Koenigshoffen, a suburb of Strasbourg. The chalices base bears as its only decoration a fine and stylish fringe composed of hand-engraved ivy leaves. At the front side, the fringe also contains a Greek cross. In the Christian religion, ivy symbolizes fidelity and eternal life. This delicate decoration can also be seen in the central circular node and in the silver cup that crowns this lovely piece. The rest of the chalice bears no engraved decoration at all, and is only embellished by the golden glow of the brass and the gold-plated silver. The paten is a lovely piece too. It is made of solid silver with hallmarks, and just like the chalice it is in amazing condition. The paten bears a fine engraved decoration: a fringe composed of vegetal-inspired symmetrical volutes that frame a Greek cross with lobed ends. These motives are engraved by hand and stand out for their simple and elegant design. Its stylish and fine look turns this antique chalice and paten set into a very special piece. Measurements: Chalice: Width: 4.9 in / 12.5 cm. Height: 6.6 in / 17 cm. Weight: 488 g. Paten: Diameter: 5.5 in / 14 cm. Weight: 77 g.