Pewter dish or big plate, 17th century, 19th ornementations
This plate from 17th century presented originally as lone decoration the chased coat of arms on the border, typical of the creations of this period. It is made of an oval escutcheon (escutcheon of a lady) with a two-point label charged with three branches bearing fruits, topped by a helmet with mantlings. On the back is stamped the hallmark of the pewterer, "I-B" topped by a heart and a crown, unidentified but characteristic of South of France productions.
Rest of ornementations has been added in the 19th century, in the Troubadour fashion, to recreate a Renaissance style. Repoussé in the bottom, in profile bust to the right, a figure wears a winged helmet, with hair curls coming out all along the edge. Shoulders are covered by a cape fastened with an oval brooch, over a coat of mail. This figure is crowned by a halo, it could be a representation of Saint Georges, in light of the dragons ornementation around. On the border, a chased decoration presents two dragons on the lower part, and two basilisks on the upper part. These fantasy animals are depicted with a long and thin body to suit the plate movement, but with a disproportionate and expressive big head.
Very good overall condition, reliefs are very slightly eroded, a tiny hole to the left of helmet edge (see pictures). The back of the plate shows marks of hammering, technique used to strengthen the sturdiness of flat tin pieces.
Diameter: 29,4 cm
Depth: ≃ 2,5 cm