Pewter Paten Dated 1673 - 17th Century - Documented Early Provenance

Pewter Paten Dated 1673 - 17th Century - Documented Provenance. This circular pewter paten, 15 cm in diameter, dates from the 17th century and bears the date "1673" engraved on the reverse. It has a simple and functional form, characteristic of early modern pewter liturgical metalwork: a wide, slightly inclined rim and a shallow central basin. The decoration, entirely engraved, consists of a large cross at the center, formed of small punched circles, evoking symbolic nails or beads, inscribed within a deliberately simple geometric composition. The rim is punctuated with small engraved crosses and circles, arranged freely, attesting to early craftsmanship, probably local or regional. The surface retains a uniform gray patina, with traces of use consistent with prolonged liturgical use. The piece perfectly matches the pewter productions intended for modest parishes or rural religious communities in the 17th century, where pewter replaced silverware reserved for wealthier churches. The object retains two successive handwritten labels on its reverse, providing an interesting provenance history: – A first label from the 19th century reads: “This paten comes from Loumois? (in Deux-Sèvres) Purchased for 5 francs from Guillome Fils, watchmaker in Nivillac (Morbihan).” This early record attests to its presence on the local market in the 19th century and an initial attempt at geographical attribution. – A second label, from the 20th century, specifies: “17th-century paten found in Aurillac, given to me by Abbot Dubois in 1932.” This entry provides a direct ecclesiastical context and confirms both the dating and its transmission by a member of the clergy. Diameter: 15 cm