Fantastic Solid Silver Chalice and Paten Set. 19th Century. Dated 1894

Fantastic Solid Silver Chalice and Paten Set. 19th century. Dated 1894

Fantastic solid silver chalice and paten set, hallmarked throughout. Both pieces are beautifully decorated with hand-carved scenes, rosettes, and medallions depicting figures and scenes from the New Testament. Both the chalice and the paten are in excellent condition and are presented in a fully restored period case. The set originates from France and was crafted in the late 19th century; it has survived to the present day in excellent condition and retains all its original beauty.

The silver chalice is adorned with six amethysts of a delicate purple hue. Three of them adorn the cup, while the other three are set into the base. In addition to the gemstones, this piece also features magnificent engraved decoration with six medallions; those on the cup depict images of saints, including Saint Peter, while those on the base represent Jesus Christ with the Sacred Heart, the Virgin Mary, and Saint Joseph. The images are crafted with the utmost care and attention to detail, as are the exquisite silver filigree designs that surround them. The cup and base are engraved with two motifs: one depicts the profile of the head of the goddess Minerva, indicating the piece's French origin, while the other is the silversmith's mark.

The paten is a spectacular piece in its own right. It is decorated with a hand-carved motif depicting the Last Supper in great detail, with Jesus Christ and the apostles seated at the table beneath a classically inspired temple. Above the composition, a triangle representing God emits rays from a cluster of clouds. This engraving is of astonishing beauty and perfection, especially considering the small surface area on which it was executed. Furthermore, it is signed in the left corner, where the inscription MONTAGNY F. can be read in capital letters. The paten is also hallmarked, and is undoubtedly the perfect complement to the magnificent chalice.

At the base of the chalice is the following inscription: "Pierre Ferrandier à son Neveu et filleul Pierre Thomas. 29 Juin 1894". Translated from French, this reads: "Pierre Ferrandier to his nephew and godson Pierre Thomas. June 29, 1894."

The beauty of this chalice and paten set ensures that it is destined to be displayed in the most comprehensive collection of ancient religious art.

Dimensions: Chalice: Total height: 250 mm. Cup height: 80 mm. Rim width: 95 mm. Paten: Diameter: 160 mm.