Antique Solid Silver Chalice and Case. France, Circa 1900

Delicate antique solid-silver chalice, decorated with simple hand-engraved fringes and a blue enameled cross at the foot. The chalice is fully made of silver, something proved by the hallmarks that can be seen in all its parts. It comes with an antique paten, made of solid silver and with its own hallmarks; both items are stored in the original case. The chalice and the paten bear the hallmark for French solid silver, with the profile of Minerva goddess, and the silversmiths mark. The patens hallmarks are located right by the edge, while the chalice bears its own hallmarks at the foot and by the cups edge. The chalice stands out for its simple design, very different from other chalices made in the same time and with a much more baroque look. It is made of mall lean silver, with circular base and two nodes at the stem. The base is decorated with a classic fringe, composed of volutes, and a lovely blue enameled Latin cross. There is a small flaw at the crosss right arm, almost indistinguishable. Over the base, the stems nodes are circular in shape and composed of overlapped rings with no engraved decoration at all. Last but not least, the cup is made of lean silver with an engraved central fringe, similar to the one at the base. Both fringes stand out for their shiny finish, making a great contrast with the matt look of the rest of the chalice. The paten boasts a classic and sober design, typical of these items. It combines lean-silver parts with gold-plated zones. It is decorated with a fringe of volutes similar to those of the chalice. At the center we can see a hand-engraved chrismon (a monogram of Jesus Christs Greek name with the Alpha and Omega letters, symbols of the beginning and the end). Both items, chalice and paten, can be stored in the original carrying case. The case mounts a top brass hinge and is outside covered of black faux leather. It is somewhat worn but still fulfills perfectly its duty. At the top of the case we can see the initials E.P. printed in golden paint. Perfect for somebody who has recently ordered as a priest or to become part of a great collection of religious pieces, this antique solid-silver chalice and paten set is bound to shine anywhere. Measurements: Chalice: Bases Width: 4.92 in / 12.5 cm. Height: 8.46 in / 21.5 cm. Cups Width: 3.75 in / 9.5 cm. Weight: 435 g. Paten: Diameter: 5.11 in / 13 cm. Weight: 88 g.