Before becoming the Czech Republic (after World War I), the Kingdom of Bohemia was one of the first industrialized nations in Europe. An influx of migrating Germans brought master-level metalworkers who shared their knowledge with Bohemian smiths. This allowed them to produce fantastic metalware creations, such as this copper repousse flagon from circa 1700.

The beautifully worked container features two distinct soldiers in full armor, with plumed visors and holding halberds. Both figures are surrounded by niches adorned with roundels and a cityscape background of clouds, birds, and castles. In between the soldiers is a coat of arms cartouche surrounded by an oval that is topped with a towering foliate crest. The heraldic display depicts an escutcheon emblazoned with a four-point star, a closed crown, and a flowing rinceau beneath a pair of birds wings (known in heraldry as a vol when the wings appear without a body) and a second star. A pinnate compound leaf adorns the textured lid, which has a small toupie finial that rises from the top of the handle that is riveted to the back. Our copper repousse flagon would make a wonderful addition to a bar area, but would also be displayed with other copper pieces in a kitchen collection.

CONDITION: Good antique condition. Minor verdigris. Fleabites with commensurate indentations and losses to the finish. Traces of old restoration work in small areas.