Rod wrote:

A pattress is, IMHO, the plate used *behind* a switch, socket, sconce
(or similar). Typically early pattresses were wood, often had a
'sculpted' edge (to match the cornices :-) ) and were usually varnished.

or:

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Search.aspx?...source=15&SD=Y



--
Cheers,

John.

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