This exceptional antique Victorian sterling silver communion set consists of a flagon, a large dish/paten, a pair of chalices and a pair of patens.
The chalice has a circular tapering form onto a knopped stem and panelled hexafoil swept foot.
The drinking vessel is embellished with engraved geometric bands incorporating the stylised elucidating phrase 'Drink ye all of this', divided with a simple cross design.
The body of the chalice is further ornamented with the contemporary engraved presentation inscriptions 'St. Johns Memorial Chapel, Cambridge' and 'Given by Robert Means Mason in memory of his daughter Clara Thorndike Mason'.
The large knops to the stem of the drinking vessel are encircled with horizontal engraved pales, intersected with vertical bands, all encompassed with applied moulded border to the outer circumference.
The foot of this impressive chalice is ornamented with an impressive engraved circular cartouche bearing the initials 'IHS'* on a matte background.
The impressive antique Victorian flagon has a baluster shaped form to a panelled hexafoil swept foot.
The surface of this antique jug is encompassed with further bands of engraved geometric ornamentation; this ornamentation incorporates the original silver gilt highlights.
The ornamentation to this exceptional example of Victorian silverware features the caption 'This is my blood of the new testament', incorporating an impressive engraved circular cartouche bearing the initials 'IHS'* on a hexafoil shaped matte panel.
Either side of the communion flagon bears a portion of the contemporary engraved presentation inscription; the compiled engraving is identical to that of the chalices.
The jug is fitted with the original plain domed hinged cover, surmounted with an exceptional cast silver gilt and gemset finial in the form of a Cross fleury (flory); a cross whose arms end in fleurs-de-lys.
This impressive sterling silver flagon is fitted with a cast angular handle accented with a large scrolling design in junction with the body and conjoining to the inner surface.
The large paten / bread dish has a plain circular form with a circular rounded well.
The plateaued rim is encircled with applied silver gilt bands flanking the scriptural engraving 'He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord'.
The centre of the well is embellished with a large circular cartouche incorporating an engraved sunburst motif with the initials 'IHS' to the centre.
Each small paten has a plain circular form with a shallow central well.
The centre of each paten bears a quatrefoil design incorporating the initials 'IHS' accented with intertwining leaf designs to the four cardinal points.
The broad rim of each paten is encompassed with the stylised elucidating phrase 'Take eat this is my body', divided with a simple cross design.
The underside of the patens and large dish/paten features the aforementioned contemporary engraved presentation inscription.
* 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 Saviour of all Men', which is not historically accurate.
Maker: Thomas Pratt & Sons
Date: 1871
