While the painted letters and the bracket stand were added more recently, this is a fantastic example of a large and complete antique wine barrel with iron straps. Barrels such as this would have been used to store wine at a French vineyard, with the brass spigot used to sample the contents. Above the tap is an angular door, which could be removed for periodic cleanings.

The front façade has been painted with white letters, reading “Chateau Saint Emilion” near the top. There is also a painted oval just above the removable door that contains information about the vineyard: “1er Cru Puisseguin St Emilion (Gironde)”. The appellation Puisseguin-Saint-Émilion is used for wine from the Bordeaux region, which encompasses the commune of Saint Emilion within the Gironde department.

Our large wine barrel was crafted circa 1880 by a tonnelier, whose main function was to create and repair wine casks at a vineyard. Like most vineyard barrels, ours was constructed from oak, which aids the aging process by adding flavor and body to the wine. The barrel sits securely on a pair of bracket stands, allowing it to be the perfect decoration piece for a restaurant or bar area.

CONDITION: Good antique condition with minor age separations and nicks. Light losses, buildup, and oxidation to the brass hardware, all commensurate with age and use. The stand and painted lettering are most likely not original to the barrel. The iron straps shifted over the years and have been secured with more recent bolts. Some discoloration from where the straps had shifted.