Antique Gilded Solid-Silver Chalice and Storing Case. France, Circa 1900

Gorgeous Antique gilt solid-silver chalice with storing case and paten, coming from France and made circa 1900. The chalice is quite big in size and boasts a stately and imposing design, with hand-engraved decoration and a small enameled cross at the foot. The gold-plated finish remains in wonderful condition and shows off a deep and warm tone that covers the silver in a uniform way. The foot is ample and is divided in equal lobes or petals, following a flower-like design. Each section is adorned with an embossed motif; actually there are only two images, the wheat stalks and the vine with its bunches of grapes (the symbols of the Eucharistic bread and wine). At the front of the chalice, the foots edge bears a small gold-plated cross with a fine red and blue enameled finish. The stem is connected to the base through a group of long engraved leaves. At the center, the stem bears an only node divided in sections and embellished with ornamental abstract motifs. The cup is lean and ample, boasting an elegant design. The cups base shows off a fine openwork decoration composed of bunches of grapes and wheat stalks. These are simple and schematic motifs that make up a symmetrical and stylized decoration. The cup bears two hallmarks that can also be seen at the foot. They are the mark for antique French silver and the silversmiths mark, containing two capital letters. On the other hand, the paten that comes with the chalice has four hallmarks near the edge. It is decorated with a simple hand-engraved motif containing the IHS acronym (the initials of the Greek name of Jesus Christ), a Latin cross and the Sacred Heart. The chalice and paten set can be stored and carried in its case, an old-time item which shows signs of the trace of time but still fulfills perfectly its duty. As fine-looking as original, this antique gold-plated solid-silver chalice with its storing case preserves all the beauty and the charm of turn-of-the-century religious artworks. Dimensions: Chalice: Foots Width: 6.1 in / 15.5.cm. Height: 9.65 in / 24.5 cm. Cups Width: 3.74 in / 9.5 cm. Weight: 535 g. Paten: Diameter: 5.2 in / 13.2 cm. Weight: 70 g. Total Weight: 605 g.