Hand-crafted in France, this large copper and wrought iron chaudron would have originally been used in the 1700’s to cook meals over a fire. The iron handle would have been placed onto a cremaillere, or chimney hook, suspending the cauldron over the flames. At its widest point, the vessel measures over 27 inches wide!

Notice the dovetail construction, particularly visible along one side and at the bottom of the interior. This technique, coupled with the hammer marks around the rivets indicate that the copper was assembled by hand. Even the oval repair patch was affixed by hand before the 20th century. The handle has been shaped through a pair of copper loops on opposite sides of the chaudron. Each loop has been affixed to the side of the pot by multiple rivets, ensuring that the container could support the weight of its contents when hanging in a fireplace. The arched shaped lid has a riveted handle, allowing the tight-sealed top to be easily removed.

Copper has been used to craft cooking vessels for thousands of years. It is highly conductive and spreads the heat evenly, ensuring that a single spot will not overcook. While this chaudron could still be used functionally, today most copper cooking vessels are used for decorative purposes since they are bright and stand out easily.

CONDITION: Good antique condition with wear commensurate to age and use, including minor indentations and oxidation. Buildup to interior and light stains to the outside. An ovate patch from an old repair is visible.