Early European Brass Alms Plate

With shield in center surrounded by gadrooned and hammered decoration.

Circular with a copper luster. Signed on reverse with the Cantagalli rooster in blue. Cantagalli was a pottery producer in Florence of high quality collected throughout the world.

A German Repousse Brass Alms Dish, 17th Century These dishes were originally used as everyday flatware by the wealthy during the Medieval period, serv...

A Large German Repousse Brass Alms Dish, 17th Century These dishes were originally used as everyday flatware by the wealthy during the Medieval period, serving for food or for holding water for hand-washing. They also served as a display of wealth and status. When they went out of fashion in the later 17th century, many were donated to churches and used as collection plates, which is how they acquired the name "alms dishes". Purpose: While historically used for collecting donations for the poor and charitable purposes, they were also commonly used as offertory plates in churches for collecting offerings during services. Historical Use: In medieval times, these brass dishes served as everyday flatware for the wealthy, used for food or holding jugs for hand-washing. They also served as displays of wealth and status. Transition to Alms Dishes: When they fell out of fashion as domestic items in the later 17th century, many were donated to churches and used as collection plates, leading to the name "alms dishes". Decorative Function: European paintings of home interiors...