Many elements of the Art Nouveau style can be seen here and there is little reason to doubt that this plaque was manufactured during the period of its popularity. Presumably it was intended as a decorative item, but very similar plaques with a hanging device at the back were used to decorate the base of coin slot machines made by American firms such as the Caille Bros. Manufacturing Company and the Mills Novelty Company in the early twentieth century (see image XXXX). Whatever its function though, this is a classic piece of Art Nouveau metalwork which would blend well with a twenty first century interior.