19th Century French Hammered Copper Jug

Bought in Charente-Maritime, an area with a long history of rural farming and wine production, this is a substantial piece of French provincial copperware. The body has been formed in hammered copper with a tall neck, broad pouring lip, flared foot and large side handle. What really sets it apart are the numerous soldered patches and repairs across the body. Rather than disguising them, they remain clearly visible and show just how worthwhile this jug once was to keep repairing rather than replace.

Good antique condition with extensive evidence of previous use. There are dents, knocks, scratches, oxidation, surface marks and numerous historic solder repairs and patches, all clearly visible in the photographs. We consider these repairs an important part of the piece and have left the copper with its existing aged surface. Sold as a decorative vessel rather than for holding drinking water.

The repairs make this for us. Each patch interrupts the hammered copper slightly differently and gives you a real sense of how long the jug remained in use. It's also a brilliant size – substantial enough to sit on the floor or a large table and particularly good with a few oversized dried branches.