17th Century Brass Alms Pan-16" diameter

A marble mortar resting in the original stand turned from a single piece of sycamore which is bound in iron at the top and bottom. The surface looks to be an old painted or whitewash...

A fine quality mahogany tripod table on well-turned stem raised on elegantly shaped legs ending in slipper feet. The scallop-shaped top has a dished and beautifully molded edge and r...

A Queen Anne period mirror with finely decorated black and gold chinoiserie frame. Consisting of two beveled mirror plates. The top, smaller plate of arched shape. The lower mirror p...

A pair of George IV period fire buckets. In black painted leather with riveted construction and remnants of a white painted interior. Each one is decorated with an earl’s coronet abo...

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

With deeply molded body with central inner scrolled design. The outer with stamped decoration.

17th century Brass Alms Dish C1600 alms dish of good colour from Germany Dimensions 50cms diameter

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...