Item Report
American Brass Church Offering Plate
By: Unknown (manufactured, not by an individual artisan)
Style: Ecclesiastical Churchware
Origin: United States
Materials: Brass, felt
Age: Circa 1940s–1960s
Condition: Very Good (minor surface tarnish, felt insert intact, typical use wear)
Value: $30–$75
Maker's Marks / Writing: No visible maker's mark in provided image.
Date: 2025-06-15 16:37:47.717415
Description:
This is a circular brass offering plate, commonly used in American Protestant and Catholic churches for the collection of tithes and offerings during services. The bright red felt insert at the base is typical, providing a soft foundation for coins and bills and muting noise during collection. The plate features a rolled rim and classic utilitarian churchware design, likely dating from the mid-20th century. Brass construction was popular for its durability and ease of maintenance.
Curator Questions
Curated by Jade
Assessment:
A well-preserved example of a mid-20th century church offering plate, showing typical surface wear and mild tarnish appropriate to age. Red felt insert is likely a replacement or in very good condition. Still usable for its intended purpose or as religious memorabilia.
Individual Images:
- No additional detail images provided. Only a single overview image is present. Patina and light scratches are visible
- suggesting honest use and age; no major dents or repairs are evident.
Provenance:
No provenance documentation provided.
Condition:
Very Good (minor surface tarnish, felt insert intact, typical use wear)
Identification Score: 95%
The design, material, and construction are very typical of mid-century American church offering plates. The presence of a red felt insert and patina on the brass further supports this identification.
Authenticity Score: 90%
The patina on the brass, along with mild wear, indicates appropriate age and use. While it is possible that newer reproductions exist, the level of wear is consistent with mid-20th century church use.
Image Memory Note
This item is a mid-century American brass offering plate used in church collections, notable for its brass construction and bright red felt lining.
Keywords
brass offering plate, churchware, ecclesiastical, American, mid-century, collection plate, religious
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