Very Rare 16th Century Silver Alms Box c.1550This is a very rare piece of early silver of the late medieval early 16th century.The alms box has an octagonal and fluted shape and is slightly conical.The Alms box has seven different scenes of knights in full armour and armed and the ladies are in full dress.Each scene is surrounded by a floral design.Strangely, the scene of the lady on the back of the Alms box is purposely defaced (see photo''s) I''m presume that the figures on the Alms box are members of one family and that this person in question has been ousted by them.The coin mouth is horizontally placed on top of the box with a lock clasp to the front.The edge of the lid is decorated with a pearl decoration.Inside the alms box are the leather lips still intact and supple.The silver Alms box is probably made in the Lower Countries looking at the design and the Alms box has no silver Guild marks (which is not unusual for that period).The box stood most probably in a private chapel at the time.The weight of the Alms box is 41.7 gram Height: approx. 8.5 cmDiameter at the top is: approx. 4.5 cm Diameter at the base is: approx. 6 cmValley Antique CentreHollins MillSuite 5 Unit 8Pennine Industrial ParkValley RoadHebden BridgeHX7 7BZ (0044) 01422 887420 or (0044) 07780 687139Openings Times:Every day from 10 pm - 16.00 amHeight is 8.5cm (3.3inches)
Width is 6cm (2.4inches)
Depth is 6cm (2.4inches)