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Rare Medieval - Renaissance Era, 1400's-1500's Church Alms Dish - $500 (Trabuco Canyon)
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This is a very rare alms dish likely from Eastern Europe or possibly Germany. Many that still exist today come from areas of Germany, but with years of searching this coat of arms seal, I have found this most likely resembles ones from the region of Poland. The language and style of armor are that from as early as the 1200's - later 1400's. The eagle on the shield and horses Trapper or Caparison are also symbolic of Poland at the time (however, Germany also). This image would have been the seal of the "Lord of the Land" at the time and could be strictly regional, or possibly the King of all the lands at the time. I have hoped to find medieval coinage that would be an exact match, but have only found ones close in language and appearance from as early as the 1200's - late 1400's.
It is difficult to place an exact date on this without an exact match on the royal seal.
Condition: This shows hundreds of years of use with the brass/bronze being polished all the way through in a few areas and very thin in other areas. Dish remains intact with some dents and dings and only slightly out of shape. This dish has had hangers soldered to the back for hanging in a church (likely added in the late 1800's - early 1900's).
Last known origin for this was that it came from a damaged church in Germany during WWII, but unknown prior to that. I have had it in my collection for around 15-16 years.
These are often/commonly referred to as Nuremberg alms dishes and this could be one from the 16th Century out of Germany representing an earlier depiction. Viewers to make their own determination on age and condition.
Measures 9 1/2" across, with a depth of 1 3/4".
Priced lower than recent auction estimates.
I welcome any comments or questions. I will do my best to answer.
Serious buyers only please. No scams.