Antique Chalice and Paten in Solid Silver by Armand Caillat Fils. Lyon, France, Circa 1910

Nostalgic solid-silver neo-medieval chalice decorated with precious stones and accompanied by a silver paten. This piece was made in Lyon, France circa 1910 by Armanda Calliat Fils, the goldsmith firm that Joseph and Jean Camille Armand inherited from their father, Armand Calliat, one of the most famous goldsmiths from those days. Caillat made up to 5.000 amazing pieces for different cathedrals and churches, and for the popes Pio IX and Leon XII. This sober and fine chalice is a good example of the high-quality pieces made by the goldsmith saga whose artistic work was continued by the following generation. The chalice boasts a fine and simple design enhanced by a wonderful decoration full of precious stones. The base bears a hand-engraved Latin inscription: Hic est calix sanguinix mei (This is the Chalice of My Blood). There is also a remarkable embossed cross with faux diamonds and real sapphires, a detail with rubies and two carved moonstones. All the stones are real except the diamonds, and they are all original from the time. The central node is adorned with engraved volutes and moonstones; these elements create a balanced and simple composition. The wide cup is made of lean silver, with no decoration at all except for a hand-engraved Latin inscription: Mortem domini annuntiabo, donec veniat (I will Proclaim the Death of the Lord until He Comes). Near the edge we can see two hallmarks: the mark of the goldsmiths (AC) and the one for French silver. These contrasts can also be seen at the bases edge. The paten that comes with the chalice bears also two hallmarks that guarantee its quality; it is decorated with a simple hand-engraved cross with no additional embellishments at all. The sumptuous decoration with precious stones that adorn this chalice, together with its ancient age and simple design, create a really attractive and original piece worthy of inclusion in the best collection of silver antiques. Measurements: Chalice: Bases Width: 5.11 in / 13 cm. Cups Width: 4.33 in / 11 cm. Height: 7.48 in / 19 cm. Weight: 600 g. Paten: Diameter: 5.70 in / 14.5 cm. Weight: 135 g.