Late Victorian Repoussé Brass or Brass-Plated Decorative Tavern Charger
Decorative Object / Hollowware Platter · Unknown manufacturer, likely English or Dutch commercial brassware foundry; these were mass-produced in the late 19th and early 20th centuries for the decorative market.
Pattern: Generic English Hunt or Tavern Scene, featuring fox hounds and equestrians in a rustic landscape.
Type
Decorative Object / Hollowware Platter
Maker
Unknown manufacturer, likely English or Dutch commercial brassware foundry; these were mass-produced in the late 19th and early 20th centuries for the decorative market.
Material
Brass or heavily tarnished silver-plated brass (EPBM/EPNS). The yellow/golden undertone and rainbow-hued oxidation are characteristic of aged copper-alloy or thin plating over brass.
Dimensions
Estimated diameter of 12-16 inches (30-40 cm). Weight is likely between 400-800 grams depending on gauge and whether it is solid or plated.
Description
An evocative decorative charger depicting a classic fox hunting scene. The central medallion is filled with high-relief figures of hounds in pursuit and riders in traditional kit, rendered in a folk-art style. The iridescent tarnish suggests years of atmospheric exposure, giving the piece a warm, antique 'glow' that appeals to collectors of rustic or equestrian-themed decor.
Key Features
High-relief equestrian scene, geometric repeating border, and distinct iridescence on the metal surface.
Material & Composition
Brass or heavily tarnished silver-plated brass (EPBM/EPNS). The yellow/golden undertone and rainbow-hued oxidation are characteristic of aged copper-alloy or thin plating over brass.
Finish & Decoration
Repoussé and embossed decoration; features a central scene of a fox hunt with riders and hounds, surrounded by a repeating geometric diamond border and an outer rococo-style scroll rim.
Hallmarks & Stamps
None visible in the image. Typically, these items lack formal hallmarks unless they are sterling; silver-plated pieces may have 'EPNS' or a manufacturer's code on the reverse.
Construction Details
Machine-pressed or die-struck from a single sheet of metal to simulate hand-chasing. Note the rounded, soft edges of the relief which indicate mechanical stamping rather than hand-tooling.
Functional Features
Purely decorative wall or sideboard display piece; often includes a soldered hanging ring on the reverse.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A; the item is a flat charger or tray without integrated handles.
Craftsmanship Details
Mass-produced industrial craftsmanship. The design is intended for visual impact from a distance rather than the fine detail found in high-end hand-wrought silversmithing.
Authentication Indicators
The soft detail of the stampings and the golden hue appearing through the oxidation confirm this is a base-metal decorative item rather than fine sterling silver.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely Birmingham, England, the center of 'Brummagem' brass and plating works during the industrial era.
Era & Period
Late Victorian to Edwardian (c. 1880-1920) revival style, evoking 17th-century Dutch or English tavern aesthetics.
Age Estimate
Circa 1900. The wear patterns and style of the embossed figures are consistent with early turn-of-the-century decorative metalware.
Cultural Significance
Represents the middle-class Victorian desire for 'antique-looking' objects to decorate the home, reflecting an idealized view of rural sporting life.
Condition Notes
Good antique condition. There is significant surface oxidation (tarnish) and some minor pitting. The edges show slight warping consistent with soft metal sheets.
Value Estimate
$40 - $120 USD depending on the venue and the specific appetite for equestrian-themed antiques.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with mild soapy water and a soft cloth. If a bright finish is desired, use a dedicated brass or silver polish, but avoid abrasive 'scouring' which can remove thin plating.
Similar Pieces
English silver-plated gallery trays (more formal), Dutch brass repoussé hearth plates (heavier, often more crude), and modern cast resin replicas.
Interesting Facts
These chargers were widely used in British pubs and country homes to create a 'Ye Olde England' atmosphere during the late 19th-century gothic and Tudor revival movements.