Expert: Martin G Roberts - 12/11/2006

Question
I have two pewter wall plates.  They are definately german as per the inscribe on one "Nurnberg Ulbr. Durer-Haus".  I am quite certain they are handcrafted but I would like to know when and by whom if possible.  There is a seal on the back stamped into the hangar.  It is a circle around a crowned angel with two letters, I believe they are E S (could be S S or B S, the first letter is hard to read).  One of the plates seems almost unfinished.  It is much thicker and heavier and the pewter is rough especially on the back.  This one is of a castle, but doesn't have a "description".  Any ideas?

Answer
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Decorative objects such as this are not really my field, but I think you will find the "Ulbr Durer" bit refers to Albrecht Durer, the renaissance artist, from whose work the decoration is probably taken. You can research Durer extensively with simple web searches.

As objects, these types of things are not especially old.