Antique Gilt Silver Chalice And Paten With Case. France Circa 1900

This magnificent French liturgical set, dated circa 1900, includes a Neo-Gothic gilt silver chalice and its matching paten, both preserved in their original case. A piece of exceptional value due to its craftsmanship and symbolic meaning, created by renowned Lyon silversmiths: Henri Berger-Nesme and the Favier firm. This is an elegant and symbolically charged set, perfect for a specialized collection or to be brought back into liturgical use.

The chalice, the centerpiece of the set, stands out for its refined Neo-Gothic design and meticulous execution. The circular base rises in a flared shape, adorned with a raised floriated cross surrounded by vegetal motifs evoking lilies and stylized leaves—an allegory of purity. From the base rises the slender and elegant stem, culminating in a six-lobed knob adorned with pierced diamond patterns and symmetrical floral motifs. This central node not only offers a secure grip during liturgy but also creates a visual transition toward the cup.

The cup, sober yet elegant, features a frieze of alternating lobes with flowers framed in Gothic-style trefoiled arches. The upper edge is smooth and gilt, as is the perfectly preserved interior—evidence of careful use. The chalice measures 23 cm in height by 9.4 cm in diameter at the rim and weighs 341 grams. It bears the hallmark of Henri Berger-Nesme, a silversmith active in Lyon between the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His maker's mark, the initials BN flanking a chalice, was registered in 1889 and cancelled in 1924. His work focused on liturgical pieces such as chalices, ciboria and monstrances, all of high quality and destined for French churches and export.

The paten, also made of gilt silver, has a circular shape with a delicate central engraving of the “IHS” monogram surmounted by a Latin cross and a flaming heart at the bottom. This Eucharistic motif is a classic symbol of devotion to the Sacred Heart. The paten measures 13.3 cm in diameter and weighs 71 grams. The back bears the mark of the Favier workshop, one of Lyon's most prestigious ateliers, active from 1826 to the mid-20th century. The Favier firm was a pioneer in the production of Neo-Gothic style silver religious objects, many of which are now held in museum or institutional liturgical collections.

Both pieces come in their original case, lined in red velvet and covered in black leather on the outside. The case, designed to protect and display both pieces, is in excellent condition, with a clean interior and no significant wear. This feature adds further value to the set, which has survived over a century in remarkable integrity.

The overall condition is very good. The gilding remains uniform and bright, with only minimal signs of use visible mainly on the paten, which adds authenticity without detracting from its appeal. This is a piece that not only enhances a collection but would be ideal for a priest or someone preparing for ordination, due to its functionality and symbolism.

A true gem of early 20th-century French liturgical silverwork, ready to continue fulfilling its spiritual purpose.

Dimensions: Chalice 23 × 12.6 × 9.4 cm (9.05 × 4.96 × 3.70 in) - Paten 13.3 cm (5.24 in) diameter. Total weight: 412 g (chalice 341 g + paten 71 g).

History of Berger-Nesme and the Favier Firm

Henri Nesme was a renowned French silversmith born in 1856 who, alongside Charles Frédéric Berger, founded the Berger & Nesme workshop in Lyon, specializing in religious silverware. Their mark, officially registered in 1889 and cancelled in 1924, included the initials “BN” flanking a chalice, a clear sign of their sacred production. Their first premises were at 25 Montée du Chemin Neuf, later moving to 122 rue Saint Georges, also in Lyon. Throughout their career, they created chalices, ciboria, monstrances and other altar objects, always in silver or gilt silver. Their pieces, highly sought after in the antique market, are noted for their refined technique, stylistic harmony, and liturgical functionality.

At the same time, the Favier firm, founded in 1826 by André Michel Favier and his brother Jean Marie François, became a benchmark in 19th and 20th-century French religious silverwork. Specializing in liturgical objects inspired by the Neo-Gothic style, their creations ranged from chalices and ciboria to reliquaries and patens. The firm operated under various names and remained active until 1976. Their legacy is vast: many of their works are now housed in ecclesiastical collections and bear witness to Lyon’s craftsmanship in the modern era.

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