Late 18th Century German Antique Alms Box / Offertory Box / Poor Box / Mite Box, Dated "1800"

A late 18th-century German antique brass alms box of cylindrical form made from sheet brass. Also known as a poor box or offertory box or mite box.

A poor box, alms box, offertory box, or mite box is a box that is used to collect coins for charitable purposes. They are found in most Christian churches built before the 19th century and were the main source of funds for poor relief.

The lid has a raised coin aperture, flanked each side with a rebate that would have once accommodated a shaped carry handle, now long since lost. The lid was originally joined to the carcass by way of a hinge and fixed with a  hasp and lock.

The lid now lifts off to reveal its underside fitted with chain mail to prevent the coins from being removed. The main cylindrical body is void of any fittings internally.

The exterior of the cylinder is engraved with German old script stating "Collection Box For The Poor", a date of "1800", an image of a three-steepled church tower (bearing the name of Altona, close to Hamburg, Germany) a cypher with coronet above and verso, a number of individuals' names.

Provenance - Unknown.

Condition - Please refer to the images. There is surface wear commensurate with age. The hinge to the lid is damaged and the lock plate is missing. Despite its flaws, this is a rare item. A further detailed condition report is available upon request. 

Size - Height 13.4 cm (5 1/4")