An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Victorian English sterling silver gilt and cranberry coloured glass communion set; an addition to our diverse religious silverware collection

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

The chalice has a circular rounded form onto a panelled hexagonal knopped pedestal and spreading foot.

The surface of the chalice is ornamented with impressive engraved undulating borders accented with geometric motifs, all above a lobed design emanating from the panelled knopped pedestal.

The hexagonal foot of this exceptional chalice is encircled with engraved arched geometric designs, accented with applied moulded borders to the rim.

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

The plateaued border of the paten is embellished with impressive engraved simplified organic motifs flanked between applied bead style borders.

The circular well of the paten is ornamented with a fine and impressiveengraved quatrefoil motif with the initials "IHS"* to the centre.

This antique communion set further benefits from the original cranberry coloured glass phial/flask.

The original hallmarked upper mount of the flask features further engraved decoration reflecting that to the chalice, in addition to a pierced incurved shaped border.

The flask retains the original hallmarked domed sterling silver gilt push fit cover.

This exceptional example of Victorian glassware is fitted with an S scroll handle with spiralling terminals.

The jug is supported by an hexagonal foot accented with applied borders to the rim.

The foot to both the wine phial and chalice bears the engraved initials "C.W.B."; the underside of each base features the retailer"s mark "Cox and Sons, Southampton ST, London".

The surface of each piece retains the original gilding.

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 the retailer"s mark "Cox & Sons, 29 Southampton Streen, Strand".

* 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.

This antique communion set is a superior gauge of silver, exceptional quality and in exceptional presentation condition.

The engraved decoration is all very crisp.

The cranberry coloured glass phial is in perfect condition.

The original presentation box has a distressed exterior, in keeping with age and use; the box is in useable and functional condition.

The bright cut engraved decoration is very crisp.

Full hallmarks struck to the surface of the chalice and the underside of the paten, in addition to the hallmarks to each of the phial mounts are all very clear; the hallmarks are struck deeply due to the superior gauge of silver.

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

Chalice

Diameter of rim 5cm/2"

Width of foot 5.5cm/2.2"

Height 9.8cm/3.9"

Paten

Diameter 9.5cm/3.7"

Height 0.4cm/0.2"

Flask

Length from back of handle to tip of lip 6.8cm/2.7"

Width 5.4cm/2.1"

Height 12.3cm/4.8"

4.8 troy ounces/150g (excluding glass vessel)

Date: 1877

Origin: London, England

Maker: Cox & Sons (Thomas Cox & Edward Cox)