Antique Gilded Silver Chalice with Silver Medallions. France, 19th Century

Antique gold-plated solid silver chalice with silver medallions at the foot. This chalice was made in France in the 19th century and has survived to our days in excellent condition, preserving its amazing and delicate beauty in good condition. The cups base shows some very slight dent, scarcely visible and which in no way interferes with the items great appearance. The gold-plating, quite subtle, looks uniform and even. The chalices foot is shaped like a flower and boasts a great decoration with three medallions containing embossed profiles. They depict Virgin Mary, Jesus and Saint Joseph. All the portraits are signed by L. FRICARD. The medallions are connected by a stylish linear border with hand-engraved leaves and embossed balls. The foots border is also engraved with a subtle and schematic motif. The stem has a central node is a flattened sphere with a medieval-inspired design. Last but not least, the cup is adorned with the same border as the foot, but without medallions. Near the edge we can see the hallmark which identifies antique French silverware, while the foot bears the silversmiths mark with his initials. On the base there is an inscription: "E. Dupas, Waziers (Nord)". Waziers is a small town in France with just over 7000 inhabitants, close to Belgium, in the French region of Hauts-de-France, Nord Department. Possibly E. Dupas was the parish priest of this town and the original owner of this chalice. This antique gold-plated solid silver chalice with silver medallions is a truly magnificent piece for its stylized beauty and careful decoration. Dimensions: Foots Width: 5.24 in / 13.5 cm. Height: 8.9 in / 22.6 cm. Cups Width: 3.66 in / 9.3 cm. Weight: 517 g.