Embossed Brass Decorative Alms Style Charger with Fox Hunt Motif
Decorative Object / Charger / Platter · Unknown; likely a mid-20th-century mass producer specializing in reproduction English or Dutch decorative brassware for the souvenir or home decor market.
Pattern: Traditional English Tavern/Fox Hunt scene; generic reproduction pattern based on 17th-century 'Alms Dish' forms.
Type
Decorative Object / Charger / Platter
Maker
Unknown; likely a mid-20th-century mass producer specializing in reproduction English or Dutch decorative brassware for the souvenir or home decor market.
Material
Brass (Alloy of copper and zinc). Despite being evaluated in a silver context, this piece contains no silver; it is a base metal item with a polished yellow brass finish.
Dimensions
Estimated 12-14 inches in diameter; lightweight (approx. 400-600 grams) as the metal is thin gauge sheet brass.
Description
A classic mid-century brass wall charger featuring a nostalgic scene of a traditional British fox hunt. Two riders on horseback are centrally depicted amongst a pack of hounds, framed by a barn-like structure. The wide decorative flange adds a sense of grandeur, making it a staple of 'pub-style' or Victorian-revival interior decor common in the 1960s.
Key Features
Deeply embossed central narrative scene; scalloped gadrooned rim; yellow-gold brass tone; lightweight sheet construction.
Material & Composition
Brass (Alloy of copper and zinc). Despite being evaluated in a silver context, this piece contains no silver; it is a base metal item with a polished yellow brass finish.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish brass surface; decorated with machine-assisted repoussé and embossing. Features a central fox hunt scene with equestrians and hounds, surrounded by a wide border of stylized floral scrolls, fleur-de-lis, and a gadrooned 'pie-crust' rim.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No silver hallmarks are present. Likely stamped 'MADE IN ENGLAND' or 'Peerage' on the reverse, or devoid of marks entirely, which is common for export decorative brass.
Construction Details
Produced via die-stamping or machine-pressing from a thin sheet of brass. Unlike authentic antique chargers which are hand-hammered (raised), the repetitive nature and soft edges of the relief indicate mechanical manufacturing.
Functional Features
Purely decorative; typically includes a small soldered ring or punched hole on the reverse for wall mounting.
Handle & Grip Details
None; this is a rimmed platter style intended for display on a rack or wall.
Craftsmanship Details
Commercial grade. The embossing is achieved via a hydraulic press with a master die. While visually effective, it lacks the depth, crispness, and individual character of hand-chased silver or hand-wrought copper.
Authentication Indicators
Complete absence of silver hallmarks (lion passant, 925, etc.) and a distinct yellow-brass hue confirm this is not silver or silver-plate. The thinness of the metal and the mechanical regularity of the pattern indicate a modern reproduction.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely United Kingdom (specifically Birmingham) or The Netherlands, where large quantities of decorative brassware were manufactured for the mid-century export market.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (c. 1950-1970). It mimics the style of the 17th-century Baroque period but displays modern manufacturing traits.
Age Estimate
Circa 1960. The lack of natural deep patina and the sharpness of the mechanical stamp suggest a 20th-century origin.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Tudor-Bethan' and mid-century interest in romanticized English rural life and historical metalwork forms for middle-class home decoration.
Condition Notes
Good. Visible oxidation/tarnishing in the recessed areas (darker brown spots). No major dents or cracks, though some 'polishing fatigue' may be present if cleaned aggressively in the past.
Value Estimate
$15.00 - $30.00. The $20.00 price tag visible in the image is a fair market retail price for a thrift or antique mall setting.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a dedicated brass polish (like Brasso or Wright's Brass Cream). Avoid abrasive scrubbers which can scratch the thin metal. To maintain the shine, a light coat of microcrystalline wax can be applied.
Similar Pieces
Authentic 17th-century brass alms dishes (which are heavier and hand-hammered) or Peerage-brand English brassware from the same period.
Interesting Facts
Items like this became extremely popular in the mid-20th century as homeowners sought to recreate the 'Old English' atmosphere of traditional inns and country houses.