Antique Solid Silver Chalice With Gilt Paten, Spain Or Italy, Circa 1940

This magnificent liturgical set, consisting of a chalice and paten, is an exceptional example of mid-20th-century religious silversmithing. Handcrafted in solid silver, the piece reflects the meticulous work of a specialized workshop, likely located in Spain or Italy around 1940. With its strong presence, this set is ideal for ecclesiastical use or as part of a sacred art collection.

The chalice, with generous proportions and an elegant design, stands out for its rich repoussé ornamentation inspired by the Baroque style. Wheat ears, acanthus leaves, floral motifs in vases, and rocaille patterns intertwine in a harmonious and deeply detailed composition. These motifs cover the entire base, the knop, and the lower third of the cup, creating a high-relief surface that captures light dramatically. The cup, gilded on the inside, rises gracefully from the profusely decorated stem, adhering to traditional liturgical standards that require gilded interiors for Eucharistic contact.

The chalice base bears the “800” silver hallmark, attesting to its 800/1000 silver composition, a common alloy in Italy and occasionally in Spain during the early 20th century. This hallmark, located near the lower fastening screw, reinforces its authenticity as a high-quality silversmithing piece meant to endure through generations.

In both Italy and Spain, the tradition of liturgical chalice-making has been especially rich. In Italy, particularly in regions like Tuscany and Lombardy, highly specialized sacred art workshops flourished. In Spain, this tradition was upheld by guilds such as the silversmiths of Córdoba and Seville. Despite industrial changes in the 20th century, artisanal production of silver chalices remained alive in select workshops, as this set seems to demonstrate.

The paten, sober and refined, features a classic circular form and a fully gilded surface. Spanish hallmarks for sterling silver appear on its reverse, suggesting that this piece may have been made or sold in Spain. Its gilded surface shows slight liturgical wear, consistent with decades of reverent use, which in no way affects its value or functionality.

The overall condition is excellent, with no visible repairs or deformations, indicating the care it has received. Signs of use are minimal and add character without detracting from its appeal. The thickness of the silver, the fine repoussé work, and the harmonious proportions attest to a meticulous production, far from industrial manufacture.

A truly imposing set that conveys devotion and elegance. Perfect for reinstating in liturgical use, for display in a parish, or as part of a collection of sacred art. Its sober yet majestic aesthetics also make it suitable for private chapels or thematic showcases of religious silverwork.

A soulful piece, worthy of continuing its history in hands that know how to value it.

Dimensions: Chalice: 27.8 × 16.2 × 9 cm (10.94 × 6.38 × 3.54 in). Paten: 13.8 cm (5.43 in). Weight: 674 g (chalice 603 grams and paten 71 grams).

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