Antique French Chalice, 26 Cm, In Solid 950/1000 Silver (vermeil), Gothic Style, Paten

A masterpiece of French silverware of the highest standard (950/1000). Antique French chalice, dating from 1838, 26 cm in diameter with its paten, in the Neo-Gothic style. Solid silver with gilt decoration. Made by the French master silversmith Charles-Marie Guideé in Paris. This richly ornamented Neo-Gothic chalice is of great beauty. It is decorated with a magnificent design of wheat, grapes, and leaves. The paten bears the signature IHS with a cross and a bleeding stag.

The chalice is composed of five parts. From top to bottom: the paten, the cup, the chalice, the central knob, and the foot. A very thin silver filling is placed between the middle piece and the foot so that the screw thread has more grip.


Hallmarks: The silver and gilt paten bears three hallmarks: the Minerva hallmark for the highest standard silver (950/1000), the Hippocrates hallmark (probably for the gilt parts), and, between the two, the hallmark of the French silversmith Charles-Marie Guideé in Paris. The chalice is composed of two parts. The gilded cup is surrounded by a second layer of openwork silver, giving it greater detail and depth. Both the gilded cup and the second layer bear three hallmarks (see detailed photo). The remainder of the chalice consists of the unhallmarked silver central knob and the silver base. The base also bears the same three hallmarks, two on the rim and one slightly above.

Measurements:
Height: 25.5 cm (10 inches), with paten: 26.2 cm (10.3 inches).
Width of the cup: 8.5 cm (3.34 inches).
Width of the paten: 13.5 cm (5.7 inches).
Width of the base: 13.5 cm (5.3 inches).
Total weight: 375 g (chalice: 317 g / paten: 59 g).

A precious example in the Neo-Gothic style, pre-owned but in excellent condition. This charming piece, with its ornamentation, is a true gem. Comes in its original box.

Thank you for your visit! Best regards, Ben