Antique Solid-Silver Chalice. Paris, France, 1818-1838

Very beautiful and antique solid-silver chalice coming from Paris, France where it was made in the 19th century (between 1818 and 1838). This gorgeous chalice comes with a silver paten which was also made in the 19th century, though somewhat later. It is in very good condition and shows only an old reparation at the foot which does not interfere at all in the noble presence and fine design of this article. The chalice boasts a stylized design and is profusely decorated with liturgical symbols and ornamental embossing. It bears hallmarks at the cup and the base which guarantee the silvers quality and origin. The chalice mounts an ample circular foot. The edge is decorated with floral motifs, simple and symmetrical, while the center bears embossed images depicting bunches of grapes and wheat stalk (symbols of the Eucharistic bread and wine). Between them we can see reeds, a symbol of the Christian people, and a Cross surrounded by more symbols. The stem that connects the base and the cup has a fine central node, adorned with the same symbols as the base. Over the node we can see the silver cup, the most beautiful part of the chalice. The cup is embellished with neoclassic-style images and ornamentation. It is divided in sections which contain handmade engraved and embossed leaves. Each section has a medal with a religious image: portraits of Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ, and the Sacred Heart. They are separated by the same Christian symbols that we could see at the foot: grapes, wheat stalks and reed. At the edge of the cup and the base we find the hallmarks which identify antique French silver and the silversmith, perfectly preserved. On the other hand, the gold-plated silver paten is decorated with a hand-engraved acronym of Jesus Christ (IHS) and shows its corresponding hallmarks too. This gorgeous antique solid-silver chalice will shine in any collection of sacred art and liturgical silverwork for its powerful personality. Dimensions: Chalice: Foots Width: 5.32 in / 13.3 cm. Cups Width: 3.52 in / 8.8 cm. Height: 11 in / 27.5 cm. Weight: 421 g. Paten: Diameter: 5.2 in / 13 cm. Weight: 59 g. Total Weight: 480 g.