Chalice from the time of Pope Leo XII, composed of a silver cup with a gilded bronze sleeve, knop, and base, impressed in the upper lip with the maker's mark of the Papal States (the crossed keys and tiara) that was in use from 1814 to 1870. The body of the piece is hand chased with great precision, displaying tiny florets on the urn like knop, and palm fronds encircling the foot. The piece measures approximately 9.25″ tall with a base diameter of 4.75″. In fine condition, with expected wear and no additions or restorations. The consignor notes that the chalice was purchased in an antique shop on the Via Santa Caterina da Siena in Rome. The crossed keys and tiara maker's mark was adopted by fine metalsmiths in the Papal States in the jubilation that followed Napoleon's release of Pope Pius VII from captivity and his triumphant return to Rome in 1814. The use of this mark continued until 1870, when the Papal States were taken over by a united Italy. Created when the Papal States were still in existence, this chalice is a symbol of the magnificence of the church's presence in the 19th century.
