Antique Gilt Silver Liturgical Cruets. Paris, France 1819-1838

Wonderful antique set of liturgical cruets with its tray, made entirely of gilt silver and manufactured in Paris between 1819 and 1838. The piece stands out at first glance for the warmth of the gilding, the fineness of its engravings and the symbolic beauty of its decoration, with bunches of grapes, vine leaves, rushes and small cherubs. It is a complete, hallmarked set in excellent condition, perfect for returning it to liturgical use or incorporating it into a quality collection of sacred art.

The set is formed by two cruets or liturgical ampullae and its matching oval tray. The cruets present an elegant and very decorative design, with bulbous body, circular foot, curved pouring spout and high handle in the shape of a volute. The gilt surface provides a warm and solemn light, very suitable for a piece intended for the service of the altar. The gilding preserves a very rich visual presence, with reflections that enhance both the forms and the engravings.

Each cruet is identified with its corresponding letter. The cruet intended for wine bears the engraved letter "V", for the Spanish word "vino", and is decorated with vine leaves and bunches of grapes, a direct symbol of Eucharistic wine. The cruet intended for water bears the letter "A", for the Spanish word "agua", and has a decoration of rushes, creating a clear, beautiful and perfectly differentiated liturgical reading.

The tray, also of gilt silver, repeats the same symbolic decoration with vine leaves, bunches of grapes and rushes. On the sides appear small cherubs in relief, an especially charming detail that adds devotional character and ornamental richness. Its oval shape, with the worked border and the recesses for the cruets, makes everything fit together harmoniously and maintain a very elegant presence on the altar. The two cruets bear French Paris hallmarks, datable between 1819 and 1838, both on the base and on the spout. The tray also preserves hallmarks from the same period. Both hallmarks confirm its French origin and its manufacture in the first third of the 19th century.

The state of conservation is excellent. The cruets show no deformations and maintain very good stability and presence. The tray shows some superficial scratches from use, normal in such an antique liturgical piece, with more than 200 years of life. The set is fully usable and is prepared to return to the service of the altar in the Eucharistic celebration.

More than a collector's object, this set fully preserves the purpose for which it was created: to accompany the celebration of the Eucharist. After more than two centuries of history, these cruets can return to the altar with all their beauty and dignity, offering the priest an antique, complete, functional piece deeply linked to the rite. The gilt silver, the symbols of wine and water, the French hallmarks and the excellent state of conservation make this set an especially attractive choice for a parish, a private chapel or a religious community wishing to celebrate with truly historical, beautiful objects full of tradition.

Measurements: Cruets: Height: 13.5 cm (5.31 in). Diameter of the Base: 4 cm (1.57 in). Weight of Cruets: 222 g. Tray: Length: 24.5 cm (9.65 in). Width: 15.5 cm (6.10 in). Weight of Tray: 242 g. Total Weight: 464 g. (16.37 oz.)