Hand-worked in circa 1800, this French copper lavabo has been mounted more recently to a shaped wooden board with edges painted in a matching copper hue. The upper receptacle, which is designed to hold water for hand washing, features a quartered coat of arms topped by a crown and flanked by dolphin supporters. It is topped with a molded lid that has been hammered with a ring of egg and dart, matching a ring that graces the vessel above a bronze spigot.

Positioned directly under the tap is a wide basin, which functions as the sink. It has bronze handles on the side, allowing the water to be disposed of after everyone has cleaned their hands. A pair of twisting dolphins can be seen on either side of a bearded mascaron, above a ring of foliage. With the advent of running water, lavabos are no longer used as a cleaning station, instead most collectors will hang them on walls as decorative planters. The backing board has been rigged with wire, allowing our coat of arms lavabo to be hung immediately in a kitchen, bar area, or hallway.

Upper receptacle dimensions: H – 18 ¼, W – 12 ½. Basin dimensions: H – 9 1/8, W – 18 1/8, D – 14 ¼.

CONDITION: Good condition with minor losses to finish and slight verdigris. Light buildup with some areas of discoloration. Traces of old restoration work, coupled with a more recent wooden backing board being added, which is rigged for hanging.