Antique Victorian Sterling Silver Communion Set (1863)

An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Victorian English sterling silver communion set - boxed; an addition to our diverse religious silverware collection. This exceptional antique Victorian cast sterling silver communion set consists of a chalice, paten and wine phial/flask. The surface of each piece is ornamented with an impressive stellate cartouche bearing the contemporary engraved initials 'Ihs'*, in addition to impressive engraved stylised leaf decoration. Each piece is further embellished with a plain moulded border to the rim. The chalice has a circular bell-shaped form onto a knopped pedestal and spreading foot. The elongated column style pedestal is embellished with pale decoration, in addition to stylised leaf designs to the upper knop. The simplified hexafoil shaped foot of this exceptional chalice is encircled with engraved arched leaf designs, reflecting that of the body. The paten has a hexafoil-shaped form to a plain circular foot. The shaped rim is encompassed with a plain applied decorated border. This antique communion set further benefits from the original baluster shaped phial/flask. The flask retains the original sterling silver and cork push fit stopper, surmounted with a baluster shaped finial. This exceptional Victorian silver set is fitted with an impressive elevated loop handle. The interior of the chalice/goblet retains the original gilding. This antique communion set is fitted to the original hinged leatherette box with velvet and satin interior, securing with a hinged catch. * Ihs comes from the first three letters of the Latinised version 'Ihsous' of the Greek spelling 'ΙΗΣΟΥΣ', which translates as the Holy Name of Jesus. Many perceive these initials to delineate the Latin phrase 'Iesus Hominum Salvator' meaning 'Jesus the Savior of all Men', which is not historically accurate. Dimensions Wine Phial Length from back of handle to tip of lip 4.6cm/1.81' Diameter 4.4cm/1.73' Height 7.8cm/3.07' Chalice Height 11.1cm/4.37' Diameter of rim 4.7cm/1.85' Diameter of foot 4.6cm/1.81' Paten Height 1.5cm/0.59' Diameter of rim 7.8cm/3.07' Diameter of foot 3.8cm/1.5' Weight 6.7 troy ounces/209.3g (excluding cork stopper) Maker: George John Richards & Edward Charles Brown Origin: London, England