17th Century Brass Alms Pan-16" diameter

A rare pair of covered brass coal scuttles of superior quality. The helmet-shaped scuttles are fitted to their original stands which connect to a turned wooden handle. When the handl...

An exceptionally large example of a traditional wassail vessel turned out of lignum vitae. Due to the immense size, it has been turned in three parts. The bowl, stem, and plinth are ...

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 Mason's Ironstone soup tureen with cover and stand in double landscape pattern. In vibrant blues, golds, and reds. With dolphin handles on the tureen, stand, and at the top of the ...

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...