# Large brass dish. What is it / how to hang it. **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [June 1, 2017, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/large-brass-dish-what-is-it-how-to-hang-it/787858 "2017-06-01T18:33:18Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 18\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![somepumpkin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/7feea3/32.png) [@somepumpkin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/somepumpkin)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2017, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/large-brass-dish-what-is-it-how-to-hang-it/787858/1 "2017-06-01T18:33:18Z")
I have a large round \*shield \*that came from my grandpa’s place. He had a frame built for it and he and granny used it as their coffee table. IMHO, it never worked very well as a table so I’d like to hang it on the wall. It’s much larger than a plate, measuring ~ 3 feet in diameter and weighing a little more than 10 pounds. How can/should I hang this baby? I’ve searched The Google for “large plate hangers” and “shield hangers” but I’m missing something. Here’s what it looks like: [![Google Photos](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/EB5Xnv2ZNZebfz-cbr5fT9pNCVtMr8e8VdSksxAQD17J1d5R7lP4hGnbLlHlt13unthw_El38414h2qyIB0z2eK7ozCOGKr3UNXz6c88pNUZd7eF7rUoZmIaW9rTZsC3DkreRiqqUw=w600-h315-p-k "New item by JV S") ](https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipMvgMuq-roIrgtCY4pJdV-Tumu6cPdtdZ73CGOXNLlk4eDD2xEU-N7_t2P_3IuJaA?key=MmZ5dGxNeTZCd203Nldsd1lHeDduQmhHTHBsM2F3) extra points if you know what it is/where it’s from: [3 new items by JV S ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/ya804n27qlvPaUBNtOEqBQ-IB2zfLimQANJcOJO5P9_6Z2cr-HiOA0-DkVq12pi9h_hSPQIMZ8F5gQzM98oFwZf3CX1ERvU08YusptsgdpkEl1XYZ4yZ1IKj_Daa3TjY8c3bo9_xCQ=w600-h315-p-k "3 new items by JV S") ](https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipP1zBZAX0MH6IeZWol1KNBNvDb0lIWYXStpoev8486dFXfAJZAP9CvnifX7wMDn6A?key=YURqQ04zNGpjekViOENHeElYbGpsbTI3bjdYUzVn) ---
**Author:** ![Weisshund](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/ba8739/32.png) [@Weisshund](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Weisshund)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2017, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/large-brass-dish-what-is-it-how-to-hang-it/787858/2 "2017-06-01T18:43:52Z")
You fool! That is the Aegis shield, last used by Perseus to slay Medusa. Do not look upon it, it is said her gaze is forever etched into its surface! Return it to Hades where it will be safe, here take this coin for the taxi. Hurry man ---
**Author:** ![dflower](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dflower/32/3270_2.png) [@dflower](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dflower)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2017, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/large-brass-dish-what-is-it-how-to-hang-it/787858/3 "2017-06-01T19:00:34Z")
Is it from Morocco? ---
**Author:** ![Chimera](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/8e8cbc/32.png) [@Chimera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chimera)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2017, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/large-brass-dish-what-is-it-how-to-hang-it/787858/4 "2017-06-01T19:02:16Z")
Are there any maker’s marks on it? ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2017, 7:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/large-brass-dish-what-is-it-how-to-hang-it/787858/5 "2017-06-01T19:05:50Z")
Get some of[these](https://www.finehomedisplays.com/proddetail.asp?prod=TP-8brd-platter-wire-hangers) and find a stud. ---
**Author:** ![Ignotus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/ecc23a/32.png) [@Ignotus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ignotus)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2017, 7:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/large-brass-dish-what-is-it-how-to-hang-it/787858/6 "2017-06-01T19:19:23Z")
I can’t swear to its _intended_ purpose, but my neighbor bought a pretty similar piece on the flea market the other day, which she is planning to use as a coffee table top. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2017, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/large-brass-dish-what-is-it-how-to-hang-it/787858/7 "2017-06-01T19:23:25Z")
It looks like a platter for serving an entire roasted lamb. So North African would be my guess. ---
**Author:** ![Eonwe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eonwe/32/240_2.png) [@Eonwe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eonwe)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2017, 7:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/large-brass-dish-what-is-it-how-to-hang-it/787858/8 "2017-06-01T19:30:27Z")
My mom has a few of these; she grew up in India, and hers came from there. It’s a table. Find a stand/legs for it, and enjoy! ---
**Author:** ![DCnDC](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dcndc/32/2842_2.png) [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2017, 8:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/large-brass-dish-what-is-it-how-to-hang-it/787858/9 "2017-06-01T20:42:53Z")
> [@Eonwe](#): > > My mom has a few of these; she grew up in India, and hers came from there. It’s a table. Find a stand/legs for it, and enjoy! I’ve got a table like this too. Moroccan coffee table. It doesn’t attach to the legs in any way, it just rests on top. Mine has metal legs that fold up. [This](https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/ac/52/c6/ac52c6e0edec5845defe7623c774852b.jpg) one is somewhat similar to the OP, with the stand. . ---
**Author:** ![mischievous](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c2a13f/32.png) [@mischievous](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mischievous)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2017, 9:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/large-brass-dish-what-is-it-how-to-hang-it/787858/10 "2017-06-01T21:03:01Z")
I’ve got a couple of these. It’s probably not correct preservation technique, but I just used a metal-compatible epoxy to glue picture hooks on the back, and hung it on the wall with standard hardware. ---
**Author:** ![gigi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a587f6/32.png) [@gigi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gigi)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2017, 10:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/large-brass-dish-what-is-it-how-to-hang-it/787858/11 "2017-06-01T22:43:41Z")
> [@silenus](#): > > Get some of[these](https://www.finehomedisplays.com/proddetail.asp?prod=TP-8brd-platter-wire-hangers) and find a stud. They only hold up to five pounds. What about getting a thick solid floaring shelf and maybe using a router to make a groove to hold the edge…? ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2017, 10:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/large-brass-dish-what-is-it-how-to-hang-it/787858/12 "2017-06-01T22:46:41Z")
> [@silenus](#): > > Get some of[these](https://www.finehomedisplays.com/proddetail.asp?prod=TP-8brd-platter-wire-hangers) and find a stud. Obviously, those would not work for the OP, but I’ve also heard that it’s not good to use them with actual china dishes as it causes damage to the china. The shelf idea is a good one. Or you could build an open box around it and hold it in that. ---
**Author:** ![gigi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a587f6/32.png) [@gigi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gigi)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2017, 11:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/large-brass-dish-what-is-it-how-to-hang-it/787858/13 "2017-06-01T23:08:33Z")
> [@gigi](#): > > They only hold up to five pounds. > > What about getting a thick solid floaring shelf and maybe using a router to make a groove to hold the edge…? Of course I meant to say “floating shelf” but Dewey Finn’s idea is nice too – and you could even close it in as a shadow box. ---
**Author:** ![somepumpkin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/7feea3/32.png) [@somepumpkin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/somepumpkin)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2017, 2:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/large-brass-dish-what-is-it-how-to-hang-it/787858/14 "2017-06-02T14:23:03Z")
Thanks for all the replies, guys/girls. > [@DCnDC](#): > > I’ve got a table like this too. Moroccan coffee table. It doesn’t attach to the legs in any way, it just rests on top. Mine has metal legs that fold up. > [This](https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/ac/52/c6/ac52c6e0edec5845defe7623c774852b.jpg) one is somewhat similar to the OP, with the stand. That’s very similar to the one Papa had. I still have his wooden base… not sure what to do with it. Moroccan, that sounds about right. Though I don’t think gramps ever went to Africa. So, were these things popular during the 50s/60s? Is it mid-century kitsch? > [@silenus](#): > > Get some of [these](https://www.finehomedisplays.com/proddetail.asp?prod=TP-8brd-platter-wire-hangers) and find a stud. Ya know, this was my first thought but I wasn’t able to find them large enough. Surely, they make them larger. > [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > Obviously, those would not work for the OP, but I’ve also heard that it’s not good to use them with actual china dishes as it causes damage to the china. > The shelf idea is a good one. Or you could build an open box around it and hold it in that. I like these ideas. The shelf would be easiest but the box is good, too. With some nice fabric behind it… hmmmmm. > [@Weisshund](#): > > You fool! > That is the Aegis shield, last used by Perseus to slay Medusa. > Do not look upon it, it is said her gaze is forever etched into its surface! > Return it to Hades where it will be safe, here take this coin for the taxi. > Hurry man I think the years of patina are keeping any reflections from happening. Praise Zeus!? ---
**Author:** ![racer72](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/racer72/32/3075_2.png) [@racer72](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/racer72)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2017, 3:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/large-brass-dish-what-is-it-how-to-hang-it/787858/15 "2017-06-02T15:13:46Z")
I have many pieces of pottery hanging from my walls, some are quite valuable. [I use these](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001FVG25K/ref=asc_df_B001FVG25K5012057/?tag=hyprod-20&creative=395033&creativeASIN=B001FVG25K&linkCode=df0&hvadid=193151859311&hvpos=1o5&hvnetw=g&hvrand=10802255723976287787&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9041475&hvtargid=pla-332679107194)and have never had any fail in over 10 years of use. I replace old hangers about every 3 to 4 years just to be safe. ---
**Author:** ![SanVito](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sanvito/32/2805_2.png) [@SanVito](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SanVito)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2017, 3:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/large-brass-dish-what-is-it-how-to-hang-it/787858/16 "2017-06-02T15:18:48Z")
> [@Eonwe](#): > > My mom has a few of these; she grew up in India, and hers came from there. It’s a table. Find a stand/legs for it, and enjoy! Snap, my Mum grew up in India during the British Raj in the 1930s, and our family home is littered with Indian furniture as a result. It’s a table, normally resting on wooden legs (not attached so it can be packed away). You might serve a multi-dish meal on it (such as a thali), sit on cushions on the floor and tuck in. ---
**Author:** ![SanVito](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sanvito/32/2805_2.png) [@SanVito](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SanVito)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2017, 3:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/large-brass-dish-what-is-it-how-to-hang-it/787858/17 "2017-06-02T15:28:29Z")
[Picks of bases](https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=brass+indian+table&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjuhJzkvJ_UAhULYlAKHRF7BXIQsAQImgE&biw=1631&bih=1191) ---
**Author:** ![DCnDC](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dcndc/32/2842_2.png) [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2017, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/large-brass-dish-what-is-it-how-to-hang-it/787858/18 "2017-06-02T15:43:10Z")
> [@somepumpkin](#): > > That’s very similar to the one Papa had. I still have his wooden base… not sure what to do with it. Moroccan, that sounds about right. Though I don’t think gramps ever went to Africa. > > So, were these things popular during the 50s/60s? Is it mid-century kitsch No idea. We got ours from a tchotchke shop in Takoma Park, MD years ago. We don’t actually use it as a table either, we put the stand in storage and use it as a huge serving tray for parties.