Extraordinary Antique Gilded Chalice and Paten. France, 19th Century

Extraordinary antique gilded chalice and paten, made in France in the 19th century and in excellent condition. The chalice boasts a bright and warm gilded finish, finely preserved and which enhances the beauty of the engraved decoration that covers this piece. It is completely covered of hand-engraved motifs: scenes from the New Testament, portraits of the Holy Family and groups of reeds, wheat stalks and bunches of grapes in the vine (symbols of the People of God and the Eucharistic Bread and Wine, respectively). The chalices foot is circular and ample. The complex decoration that covers its surface includes three oval-shaped medals with images of the Crucifixion, Saint Peter with the keys and Jesus with the Seamless Robe. The images are gorgeous, have been performed in detail and remain in perfect condition. The stem includes two nodes, a main and bigger one (with the Eucharistic symbols) and a smaller one between the latter and the foot. Over the main node we can see the chalices stylized cup. As usual, the sub-cup bears a fine hand-engraved decoration while the cup is made of lean gold-plated silver. The sub-cup is adorned again with the reeds, the stalks and the vines, which make up a fine openwork piece with the profiles of Jesus, Saint Joseph and Virgin Mary. At the foot and the cup, near the edge we can see the hallmarks that identify antique French silver pieces. The paten which comes with this chalice is also made of gold-plated silver and bears its corresponding hallmarks. It is decorated with the hand-engraved acronym IHS, crowned with a cross and with the Sacred Heart. The whole motif is framed by a crown of thorns. This extraordinary antique gilt chalice and paten set will stand out in any showcase or exhibition shelf bound to show off the best antique silver pieces. Dimensions: Chalice: Foots Width: 6.3 in / 16 cm. Cups Width: 3,54 in / 9 cm. Height: 12.4 in / 31.5 cm. Weight: 555 g. Paten: Diameter: 6.5 in / 16.5 cm. Weight: 140 g. Total Weight: 695 g.