Édouard Lièvre, Brass Renaissance Revival Lion Medallion Salver , C. 1870

Large 19th-Century American Cast-Iron Lion Shield Medallion, Architectural Ornament An imposing and sculptural late 19th-century American cast-iron lion medallion, modeled in deep h...

French Empire Bronze Mount of an Eagle Subduing a Serpent, circa 1800–1820 School or Workshop Jacob-Desmalter/Thomire A finely cast French Empire bronze mount depicting Napoleon’s ...

With a central pomegranate surrounded by a gadrooned border. The border with stamped decoration.

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...