Antique French Monstrance, Gold-plated Silver, 1899, Bizolier & Nidriche

A beautiful late 19th-century monstrance, also known as a small Custodiale in Latin.

A special type of liturgical vessel in the shape of a small monstrance on a folding base.

It is used for the temporary storage or presentation of the consecrated host, particularly during visits to the sick or processions.

Signification of the obverse motif:

In the center: Chi-Rho. This symbol is formed from the Greek letters X (Chi) and P (Rho), the initials of Christ's name.

Outside the Chi-Rho: Alpha and Omega, representing God as beginning and end.

Inscription on the edge: Ecce Panis Angelorum, Factus Cibus Viatorum (Here is the Bread of Angels, become food for travelers). The words are taken from the hymn *Lauda sion* composed by Saint Thomas Aquinas in the 13th century for Corpus Christi.

The object is entirely in gilded silver. The hallmark represents a B and an N, separated by a chalice or filter. The firm Bizolier & Nidriche existed very briefly and used this hallmark between 1899 and 1900. Markings from top to bottom:

Cross: Marked 3 times (Minerve 1st degree + maker's mark, an insect mark on the other side)

Top piece: Marked 2 times on the side (Minerve 1st degree + maker's mark)

Folding bottom piece: Marked 2 times on the side (Minerva 1st degree + maker's mark)

Fixed lower part: Marked 1 time (Minerva 1st degree)

Moving feet: One is marked three times (Minerva 1st degree + maker's mark on one side,

an insect mark on the other side). Second foot: Minerve on one side and an insect mark on the other.

Dimensions:

Height: 10 cm

Width: 5 cm

In very good condition, the natural gold plating shows traces of use.

For any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Cordially, Ben