Antique Silver and Metal Ciborium. France, 19th Century

Antique silver and metal ciborium with spoon, storing case and hood, made in France in the 19th century and in fine condition. The ciboriums cup and the lid are made of solid silver, while the rest of the piece is made of silver-plated metal. This item shows off an amazing condition, especially considering that it is more than one hundred years old. It comes with a spoon (used to mix water and wine when celebrating mass) and a storing case. The case is not the ciboriums original one, but it is also an old-time piece. The set includes a hood made of gold-embroidered silk, in a surprisingly good condition. The ciborium design is elegant and attractive. The metal surface is decorated with simple symmetrical vegetal motifs, engraved by hand and with the classic Christian symbols that we usually find in liturgical silver pieces. At the foot we can see an engraved schematic cross and a symmetrical decoration, similar to the one engraved at the lid. The lid itself is made of solid silver (just like the cup) and is adorned with hand-engraved motifs depicting bunches of grapes, wheat stalks and reeds, symbols of the Eucharistic bread and wine and the Christian people. The spoon is a lovely piece, quite delicate and decorated with an openwork motif at its end. The hood is circular in shape and has a central hole which fits with the cross that crowns ciboriums lid. It is made of bone-white silk and bears gorgeous gold embroiders in the shape of pearl-decorated flowers. As for the storing case, it is a sturdy solid-wooden suitcase with an outside leather and a brass handle. It is surely the ideal item to store, protect and carry the ciborium and its delicate accessories. This antique silver and metal ciborium with spoon, storing case and hood is a highly interesting set for any collector of religious silver items or a priest who appreciates old-time pieces. Dimensions: Foots Width: 4.8 in / 12 cm. Cups Width: 3.8 in / 9.5 cm. Height: 9.2 in / 23 cm.