BIRMINGHAM.- A rare collection of communion silver - with some pieces dating back over 500 years - has just been bought for Birmingham with the help of a £27,000 grant from the Art Fund.

The collection consists of a rare pre-Reformation silver parcel-gilt paten engraved with the Manus Dei (‘Hand of God’) c.1450; a silver communion cup (1634) and a pair of silver flagons and standing paten by London silversmith Anthony Nelme. The flagons are engraved with the inscription: ‘A Gift to Castle Bromwich Chapple in the Year 1723’.

The silver will initially go on display at Aston Hall, until the end of October, and will then move to its permanent home at Birmingham Museums & Art Gallery.

Stephen Deuchar, Director of the Art Fund, said: "This historic Anglican Communion highlights the history of the local Church and also shows off the work of a leading silversmith. We’re really pleased that Birmingham Museums & Art Gallery will now be its permanent home, so people can admire it for years to come."

The other funding partners who helped reach the full £54,000 asking price were the MLA/V&A Purchase Grant Fund (£17,000), City of Birmingham Museums & Art Galleries Development Trust (£10,000) and Friends of Birmingham Museums & Art Gallery (£2,000).