Spectacular Antique Gilt-Silver Chalice with Enamels and Precious Stones. France, 1870

Spectacular antique gilt-silver chalice with enamels and precious stones, made in France circa 1870 and in amazing condition. It comes with an ancient and solid silver paten, with the monogram IHS (Jesus Christ) and a hallmarks which indicates it could have been made in Ireland or England. Just by the edge it has a small dent, quite unimportant and easy to repair. The chalice has the French silver hallmark and the silversmiths mark at the foot and the cup. The foot has a beautiful medieval-inspired shape which combines curves and angles, symmetrically disposed. It is covered of gilt silver filigrees in the shape of schematic fountains or Trees of Life. The filigrees frame six superb enamels: there are three big medals with scenes of the Life of Christ (the Crucifixion, Jesus physical Birth and His Spiritual Birth when was baptized by Saint John) and three diamond-shaped ones with symmetrical colorful motifs. The enamels are greatly preserved and are separated by six carved precious stones, probably garnets. The hexagonal-section stem has wedged node, embellished with circular geometrical enamels. Over the node, the subcup is made up of the same delicate silver filigrees which decorate the foot. In this case, they frame tree amazing enamels depicting the Members of the Sacred Family: Jesus, Saint Joseph and Virgin Mary, painted in great detail. Between the enamels we can see three embedded garnets, similar to those of the foot. Beautiful and very special, this spectacular antique gilt-silver chalice with enamels and precious stones will be one of his most valuable possessions for a priest with a taste for art. Dimensions: Chalice: Foots Width: 6.14 in / 15.6 cm. Cups Width: 3.86 in / 9.8 cm. Height: 10.04 in / 25.5 cm. Weight: 596 g. Paten: Diameter: 5.91 in / 15 cm. Weight: 122 g. Total Weight: 718 g.