Lot 718: French Jeweled Chalice, Francois Biais, Paris

French Jeweled Chalice, Francois Biais, Paris
A richly jeweled Gothic-style chalice, gold-plated over sterling, the cup struck with French hallmarks beneath the rim and the base stamped “Francois Biais – Paris – H3 81 – Made in France”
the deep, flaring bowl rises from a heavily ornamented knop set with oval faceted emerald-cut green stones, alternating with oval blue sapphires, each within chased Gothic mounts, the knop further decorated with raised beading and applied foliate detailing, the six-lobed base displays additional emerald-cut green stones, blue sapphires, and a central oval ruby, all within gilt Gothic surrounds, the outer perimeter bead-set with full-cut diamonds—21 stones totaling approximately 0.50 cts (per 1996 appraisal), the base also decorated with finely engraved and applied Gothic crosses, accompanied by original 1996 gemological appraisal from Dennis Jewelry Company, San Antonio, listing the gemstone weights as:
• Nineteen (19) emerald-cut green stones, approx. 30.00 carats total
• Four (4) oval faceted blue sapphires, approx. 8.50 carats total
• One (1) oval faceted ruby, approx. 1.00 carats
• Twenty-one (21) full-cut diamonds, approx. 0.50 carats total
also accompanied by prior purchase receipt (1998) and Antiques Roadshow appraisal notes (PBS Files, 7/20/2020)
7 1/2 inches high, 29.0 troy ounces

Good condition, minor gilt loss and light scuffs

All lots are sold “AS IS.” Condition reports are available by request and answered in the order received starting the week of the sale. Our in-house buyer’s premium (for absentee and phone bidders) is 25%, with a 3% discount for payments by cash, check, wire, or Zelle. If bidding through a third-party platform, payment must be made through that platform. The online buyer’s premium for all third-party sites is 30% (no discounts). Our buyer’s premium on our own website is 30%, with a 3% discount for cash, check, wire, or Zelle payments for buyers using only our site or bidding in-house.

This condition report is provided as a courtesy and reflects our opinion only. Bidders should conduct their own due diligence. The absence of a report does not imply the lot is free of issues. Assessments are based on visual inspection; unless noted, items have not been examined under UV light, movements and electrical components have not been tested, and artworks are generally not removed from frames. We are not professional conservators, and this report is not a comprehensive condition evaluation. Images provided form part of the condition report and should be reviewed carefully. All sales are final. For in-person inspection, please call 860-246-2444 or email info@nadeausauction.com.

Estimate: $1000- $1500

Auction Date: January 2, 2026