Very Antique Chalice in Solid Silver. Lyon, France. 1819-1838

Attractive antique solid-silver chalice with its paten, both stored in their original case. The set comes from France and remains in excellent condition. According to the chalices hallmarks, it was made in Lyon, France between 1819 and 1928. The paten was made later and is dated in the late 19th century. Both pieces stand out for their quality making and beautiful engraved decoration, specially the chalice which is a magnificent piece of religious craft. The chalice mounts an ample circular base that provides it with a remarkable stability. The bases size is enough as to contain a series of hand-engraved motives full of charm and delicacy. The central image depicts the Mount of Olives with the Cross, in front of a schematic landscape composed of stone walls and buildings. The other two images depict wheat stalks and reeds, plants related to Eucharist and Christianity. The images are combined with engraved bunches of grapes in the fig, symbolizing the wine contained by the chalice during the mass. The stem that comes from the base and connects it with the cup is adorned with three nodes: a main one, bigger in size and decorated with engraved leaves, and two secondary nodes with intertwined fringes. As for the cup, it is made of lean and non-engraved silver and boasts a stylized design. Just by the edge we can see the silver hallmarks, clearly engraved and in amazing condition. On the other hand, the paten is adorned with a hand-engraved motive composed of the HIS monogram (standing for Jesus Christ) crowned by a cross, surrounded by a crown of thorns and over the Sacred Heart symbol. As well as its hallmarks, the paten also bears the engraved number 17. The whole set can be put away in its original storing case, somewhat worn by the trace of time and use but still fully functional. The fine design of this antique solid-silver chalice makes it worthy of inclusion in the collection of any sacred-art museum. It is an exclusive piece bound to pass from one generation to another. Measurements: Chalice: Bases Width: 5.7 in / 14.5 cm. Height: 10.82 in / 27.5 cm. Cups Width: 3.34 in / 8.5 cm. Weight: 550 g. Paten: Diameter: 5.51 in / 14 cm. Weight: 88 g.