Holy water font - 1900-1910 - 800 silver, stamped

Silver holy-water basin (benitier), 800 silver – circa 1900–1930

Nicely executed silver holy-water basin (benitier), made of 800 silver and richly decorated in an exuberant Baroque/Rococo style.

The wall-mounted model is equipped with a hanging eye and shows at the center the Sacred Heart of Jesus, crowned by a cross and surrounded by rays, flowers and graceful acanthus ornament. At the top is a beautifully worked cherub.

The reservoir for the holy water is fitted with a hinged lid, a less common arrangement that protected the basin from dust and contamination.

The whole is executed in high relief with refined chased work and forms a beautiful example of religious metalwork from the early 20th century.

The rear bears the 800-silver hallmark and two factory marks.

In good antique condition. The hinged lid functions properly.