Description
This beautiful brass offering plate is composed of an embossed umbilicus encircled by twelve pointed gadroons forming a swirling rosette that ends in a serrated motif. The outer spaces are filled with foliage. The centre of the umbilicus is defined by a silver medallion on which is chiselled a coat of arms slightly erased in places. On the central part, a German coat of arms is outlined in a mannered way and divided into three fields.The dexter field (left part from the point of view of the spectator) is composed of many small regular elements. The sinister field (right part from the point of view of the spectator) is divided into two parts. We can see, on the upper part, six round patterns in hollow. The lower part consists of a recessed background with a checkerboard pattern.
Mantling and fruit hanging from scrolls form around the shield. These ornaments are related to the colors of the coat of arms. It is usual that the color of these motifs is the color of the field of the shield and the top of the main enamel of the shield.
The shield is surmounted by a simple crown adorned with stones that usually qualifies a title or membership in a city.
The central part is encircled on the basin by a full inscription in German, in gothic letters, not very legible, on a dotted background.
On the wing of the dish we find a series of fleurons in clover whose stems are tied with a ribbon. These elements are stamped with a punch or a chisel. Finally, the wing is with a rolled edge in cord. The brass part rests on an iron stiffener.