Dating to circa 1850, this heavy cast iron horse feeder was produced by the Fonderie du Val d’Osne. Val d’Osne was a leading French iron foundry in the 19th century. Originally an art foundry established in 1835, the company grew exponentially, becoming the largest iron foundry by mid-century. At their peak, the company produced entire fittings for French stables, as seen by the two detail photos of their catalog.

Originally hung on the wall of a French stable, the front of the mangeoir is adorned with a foliate margent with a central rosette, just beneath the thick, rolled rim. The underside also has an embellishment, with a cabochon set inside a gadroon cartouche. There are two thick handles on the edges, allowing the feeder to be moved more freely. The feeder has a wonderful, mottled patina consisting of black, brown, cream, and orange hues. Our cast iron horse feeder would make a lovely outdoor jardiniere and it can be positioned on the stand or affixed to the a wall or under a window sill (the feeder lifts directly off the stand). It can also be used as a rustic farmhouse sink or possibly even as a chill bowl.

CONDITION: Good antique condition with wear (oxidation) commensurate to age and use in a horse stable. The stand was added more recently, but it provides great stability if used as a planter. 3 Tiny holes in bottom of vessel