E.V.
[We are indebted to J.E., R.T.S., and other correspondents for
replies to Mr. Cunningham's Query; but as their answers contain
only general references to works which it is reasonable to suppose
that gentleman must have consulted during the preparation of his
_Handbook for London_ we have not thought it necessary to insert
them.]
* * * * *
ANCIENT INSCRIBED DISH.
Mr. Editor,--The subject of inscribed dishes of latten, of which so many
varieties have recently been imported, appears to be regarded with
interest by several of your readers. I am indebted to the Rev. William
Drake, of Coventry, for a rubbing from one of these mysterious
inscriptions, upon an "alms-plate" in his possession. In the centre is
represented the Temptation. There are two inscribed circles;
on the inner and broader one appear letters, which have been
read,--RAHEWISHNBY. They are several times repeated. On the exterior
circle is the legend On the exterior circle is the legend--ICH. SART.
GELUK. ALZEIT. This likewise is repeated, so as to fill the entire
circle. I have never before met with these inscriptions in the large
number of dishes of this kind which I have examined. The have been
termed alms-dishes, and are used still in parochial collections in
France, as doubtless they have been in England. They were also used in
ancient times in the ceremony of baptism, and they are called baptismal
basins, by some foreign writers.
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