Known as a poissonniere in France, this traditional copper poacher has an elongated oval shape that accommodates cooking whole fish. Heavy-gauge copper conducts heat evenly and would have been the preferred method for cooking fish in French kitchens circa 1900. This particular poacher is adorned on the front with a heraldic shield containing a single fleur de lys charge. Two scaled dolphin supporters flank the shaped escutcheon that is topped by a mural crown. Spiral fluting embellishes the rolled rim beneath a twisted iron handle that would have hung from a crémaillère above a fire. Today, many collectors display copperware decoratively in the kitchen. It could also be used as a small jardiniere for dried flowers, or a unique chiller for wine in a bar area.

CONDITION: Good antique condition. Minor cavitations and rubs. Very light losses to the copper finish.