Alms dish

Date1720-1740

MediumPewter

DimensionsDiam: 18 3/8"; W (rim): 2 1/4"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1973-238

DescriptionAlms dish. The well has central boss, surrounded by sworl gadrooned border, single punched ornamentation.
Label TextThis is one of a small group of approximately a dozen English dishes that were cast as plain examples with their wells then chased with various hammers and punches with a swirl of large gadroons or petals around a central boss. The rims of most of these are decorated with a small-scale running border of repetitive punch work (see also 1958-593, 1-2). These dishes were based on Nuremberg brass examples of similar format that were produced in large numbers during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. It is not known how these pewter dishes were used, whether for secular or religious purposes.
InscribedOwner's initials "WE" stamped on face of rim.
MarkingsNo
ProvenanceJohn L. Grant, East Preston, Lancashire. Purchased from Sotheby & Co., London.