Expert: Martin G Roberts - 1/3/2005

Question
Dear Martin,
My Uncle found a large ornate brass wall plate in a basement
decades ago. It doesn't have the flimsy quality of most brass
plates. This one is reinforced around the edge with a thick steel
ring about 28" in diameter. The image is in very high relief of
Marie di Medicis. The brass is rather thick. It doesn't seem to me
to be something that was mass produced. Could this have any
significant value?
Thankyou for your time,
Janet Nash  

Answer
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Objects of this type are not uncommon, not particularly old, and are generally of little value. The portrait is probably copied from a painting of this early 17th century wife of the French king - it is certainly not an early 17th century object!

By the way, I'm not sure why you think brass is usually flimsy - most brass objects, including plaques, are cast and are of substantial construction. Perhaps you are thinking of copper, which is often beaten from sheet.