Antique Chalice in Gilded Silver. Empire Period. France, 1798-1809

Amazing antique gold-plated solid-silver chalice, really beautiful and of imposing presence. This piece comes from France and was made during the French Empire. For its hallmarks we can tell that it was manufactured between 1798 and 1809. The chalice comes with a paten, also made of gold-plated silver but dated later (probably in the late 19th century). The chalice bears three different hallmarks: the face of a bearded man, a rooster and the initials E.B. At the cups base (this is a removable part, connected to the stem by a threaded joint) we can also see the number 392 engraved in the metal. The chalices base is circular in shape, and just like the rest of the piece it is fully decorated with handmade embossed and engraved motifs related to Christian iconography. The base bears four medals, two of them containing images of wheat stalks (symbolizing the Eucharistic bread) and the other with bunches of reeds (an allegory of the faithful who drink from the waters of the Christian church, just like these plants grow up at the river banks). These symbols appear surrounded by lovely fringes and decorative motifs. The stem that elevates over the base bears several nodes of different sizes and shapes, all of them covered by classic fringes and volutes. The chalices cup is a very attractive piece. Its bottom part is decorated with bunches of grapes and fig leaves, symbolizing the wine poured into the chalice during the Eucharist. The top of the cup is made of lean gold-plated silver. On the other hand, the paten that comes with this awesome item is very simple, classic in design and with the acronym IHS (crowned by a cross) that stands for Jesus Christ. The chalice and paten set come in its original storing case, very well preserved and with the brass hinges, handle and lock in great condition. Gorgeous and amazingly preserved, this antique gold-plated solid-silver chalice will delight every lover of religious antiques. Measurements: Chalice: Bases Width: 5.11 in / 13 cm. Height: 10.43 in / 26.5 cm. Cups Width: 3.34 in / 8.5 cm. Weight: 460 g. Paten: Diameter: 5.31 in / 13.5 cm. Weight: 63 g.