A rare engraved brass alms measure, North Africa or Andalusia, signed and dated Muharram 1127 AH/March 1715 AD

of truncated conical form with a flat base, the engraved decoration comprising archways featuring inscriptions, with foliate motifs between the arches, the welded calligraphic band near the rim engraved on a hatched background, the welded band near the base with repeating flowerhead motifs, small drill hole near rim

In general good condition, areas of corrosion to interior consistent with age, some dents to surface consistent with age and use, minor crack to base, as viewed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

inscriptions

Starts with:

al-hamdu li’llah amara bi-ta’dil hadha al-mudd al-mubarak mawlana amir al-mu’minin abi’l-hasan ibn mawlana amir al-mu’minin abi sa’id ibn Mawlana amir al-mu’minin abi yusif ibn ‘abd al-haqq ‘ala al-mudd alladhi amara bi-ta’dilihi amir al-mu’minin ibn Ya’qub …

‘Praise be to God.  Our lord, the commander of the faithful Abi’l-Hasan son of our lord, commander of the faithful Abu Sa’id son of our lord, commander of the faithful Abi Yusif son of ‘Abd al-Haqq ordered this blessed measuring cup after the one that had been ordered for its regulation by the commander of the faithful Ibn Ya’qub …’

The line of Ya’qub is given as far back to the Prophet through Imam Ahmad Hanbal 

Ends with:

‘ala yad al-hajj ‘abd al-rahman ibn jawar akhir al-muharram sab’ wa ‘ishrin wa mi’a wa alf

‘By al-Hajj ‘Abd al-Rahman ibn Jawar, the end of Muharram one thousand one hundred and twenty seven (March 1715)’

A similar vessel, described as an "alms-measure" is now in the Musée National des Antiquités et des Arts islamiques, Algiers, inv. no. II.MI.074.