Gilt Silver Chalice, Late 19th Century, France

The chalice rests on a circular base with a raised edge, bordered by a frieze of pearls and embellished with an openwork frieze of floral pinnacles. The base is matte gilt and highlighted with a glossy frieze around its rim. At its center is a screwed Latin cross, enameled with fleur-de-lis. The stem is tubular, adorned with a collar and a flattened torus knot. The chalice cup, set within a matte gilt saucer, is slightly conical with a straight rim and features the same surface finish, both matte and glossy, as well as the same openwork pinnacle ornamentation as the base of the chalice. The base is weighted. Minerva 950/1000 hallmark on the bowl, saucer, and rim. Maker's marks: Demarquet Frères, Paris, 3rd quarter of the 19th century. Height: 22 cm. Base diameter: 13.5 cm. Total gross weight: 534 g. Good overall condition; the bowl has been regilded. Note: dents on the knop, traces of restoration at the top of the stem, signs of wear.