Antique Solid-Silver Chalice and Paten. France, 19th Century

Antique solid-silver chalice and paten made in France in the 19th century, in very good condition and with hallmarks in all its parts. The chalice stands out for its stylized and elegant design, with a long stem and fine uniform cup. The circular foot is ample and is decorated with hand-engraved motifs, performed with great attention to detail and a surprising precision. It is divided in six sections: three of them contain images related to the Eucharist and the crucifixion, while the orders show groups of reeds (a symbol of the People of God). The Eucharistic scenes depict bunches of grapes and wheat stalks, and the third one shows a cross in a landscape with a tower and three pyramid-shaped buildings. The stem has a main central node, quite simple and adorned with engraved leaves-shaped motifs. The secondary nodes are located under and over the main one; they are quite small and bear engraved decorative borders. The cup is made of lean silver and shows no decoration at all; close to the edge we can see the hallmark of antique French silver (a profile of Minerva goddess) and the silversmiths mark. These hallmarks can also be seen at the chalices foot, just at the border. The silver mark is also present at the paten, a detail that indicates this piece is made of the same noble metal. The paten is quite a simple piece: its only decoration is a hand-engraved acronym of Jesus Christ (IHS) at the center, located over a three swords and under a radiant cross. As beautiful as well preserved, this antique solid-silver chalice and paten set is a real collectors piece which stands out for its calm beauty. Dimensions: Chalice: Foots Width: 5 in / 12.5 cm. Cups Width: 3.2 in / 8 cm. Height: 10 in / 25 cm. Paten: Diameter: 5.12 in / 12.8 cm. Weigth: 54 g. Total Weight: 300 g.