In one of the compartments of the base there was a representation of a crucifix, or the Virgin, or ihc, or xpc.
The usual devices on ancient patens were the Manus Dei, or hand of God, in the act of blessing; on later ones the vernicle, or face of our Lord; the Holy Trinity; the Holy Lamb; the sacred monogram. The oldest paten in existence is that found at Chichester Cathedral in a coffin, and its date is about the year 1180. In the centre is a rude engraving of the Agnus Dei, and it bears the inscription—
Agnus Dei qui tollis pecata mundi miserere nobis.
The grave of Bishop Grostete at Lincoln yielded up an ancient paten (1230-53), which has the figure of a bishop vested, the right hand raised in the act of blessing, the left holding a crozier. The oldest piece of church plate still in use is a remarkable paten at Wyke Church, near Winchester, the date of which is about 1280. It bears an engraving of the Agnus Dei holding a banner, and around the rim is the legend—
CUNTA: CREO: VIRTUTE: REGO: PIETATE REFORMO.
Another favourite inscription was Benedicamus patrem et filium cum spiritu sancto; but on the paten in the church of Great Waltham, Essex, the important word spiritu is omitted for want of room.
