Hallmarked Silver Chalice and Paten. France, 19th century. Hand-engraved and in Original Case
A beautiful set of religious silverware consisting of a lovely chalice and an elegant paten, both crafted from solid silver. The set originates from France and dates to the 19th century, presented in its original case. The pieces bear hallmarks throughout, attesting to their origin and quality. The silver features a fine gold-plated finish that lends it an elegant beauty. Undoubtedly, the careful engraving on the chalice-the work of an excellent silversmith-catches the eye.
The chalice is decorated with reliefs and engravings from the base to the cup. At the base, we see four medallions featuring busts of religious figures, accompanied by classic symbols of Christianity: ears of wheat, reeds, and the Cross on Calvary. Above this rises the knop, decorated with reeds and ears of wheat, and further up we see the base of the cup, with a beautiful decoration depicting the heads of putti or child angels. The cup is smooth and features hallmarks, just like the base of the chalice.
The paten's sole decoration is the IHS monogram, representing Jesus Christ-engraved on its underside and accompanied by a radiant Latin cross. Near the rim and on this same side, we can see the hallmarks previously noted on the cup and the base of the chalice. Both pieces can be stored in their original case, which is black on the outside and lined on the inside with paper decorated with blue and red flowers in a medieval style.
This beautiful French set of a silver chalice and paten is a jewel of ecclesiastical silverwork, a collector's item worthy of a museum.