Copper Alloy Plaque Appraisal

Weathered Commemorative Copper Alloy Plaque or Commemorative Plate Fragment

This object is a rectangular plaque or commemorative plate made of a copper-based alloy, likely bronze or brass, exhibiting a heavy layer of green verdigris and oxidation across its entire surface. The item features a dense field of embossed or engraved text in the upper two-thirds, which appears to be in a script such as Ge'ez or Amharic, suggesting an Ethiopian origin. Below the primary text block, a larger, stylized line of text is prominent, followed by a circular medallion or emblem featuring a figure, possibly a Saint or a ruling figure on horseback. The lower portion of the object tapers toward a blunt point, indicating it may have been a component of a larger decorative assembly or an architectural mounting. In terms of physical condition, the object shows significant environmental degradation. There is a prominent loss of material along the left vertical edge, appearing as if a section has been broken or corroded away. The surface texture is rough and pitted due to advanced oxidation, and several dark areas suggest the presence of mineral deposits or heavy tarnish. The craftsmanship is utilitarian but detailed, with the text still retainable despite the corrosion. The style and iconography suggest it could be a 19th or early 20th-century religious or state commemorative piece. The overall patina is a matte teal-green, typical of long-term exposure to moisture or burial.