Sterling Silver Communion Set - Antique Victorian (1849)

This exceptional antique Victorian sterling silver communion set consists of a chalice, paten and wine phial/flask.

The chalice has a circular rounded, incurved form onto a knopped pedestal and undulating spreading foot.

The surfaces of the chalice body and foot are ornamented with impressive bright cut engraved arched designs.

The paten has a circular-shaped form to a plain circular base.

The surface of the paten is embellished with an exceptional bright cut engraved depiction of the last supper, accented with further arch designs emanating from the frame; examples including this engraved design are rare and indicates the high quality of the set.

The rim of the paten is encompassed with a paralleling applied moulded border.

The underside of the foot bears the contemporary engraved inscription 'Presented to the Rev^d J. W. Benest by the teachers of the Northgate Sunday Schools as a token of affection and gratitude. Huddersfield, Aug^t 31^st 1856'.

This antique travelling communion set further benefits from the original baluster-shaped phial/flask.

The panelled body of the flask features further bright cut engraved decoration reflecting that to the chalice.

The flask retains the original screw fit cover, accented with a five-point star design to the upper plateau.

Each component of this exceptional communion service incorporates a bright cut engraved stellate design with the Christogram initials 'IHC'* to the centre.

The chalice retains the original gilding to the interior.

This antique communion set is fitted to the original hinged leatherette box with velvet and satin interior, securing with a push fit.

The interior of the box features an inset cartouche bearing the biblical scripture 'The Lord bless thee, and keep thee, Numbers VI.24'.

* IHC (also abbreviated as IHS and JHS) 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.

Maker: Yapp & Woodward (John Yapp & John Woodward)

Date: 1849

This antique boxed silver communion set is an exceptional gauge of silver and exceptional quality.

This set has been stored securely in its original box and seen little to no use, resulting in the piece being in exceptional condition.

The bright cut engraved decoration is all very crisp.

Full hallmarks struck to the surface of each piece are all very clear.

Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this example of Victorian silverware.

Chalice

Diameter of rim 4.1cm/1.61"

Diameter of foot 4.4cm/1.73"

Height 8cm/3.15"

Flask

Diameter 3.6cm/1.42"

Height 7.2cm/2.83"

Paten

Diameter 7cm/2.76"

Height 1.1cm/0.43"

4.0 troy ounces/125.2g