{"product_id":"antique-19th-c-french-copper-marmite-cauldron-large-84cm-belly-pot-planter","title":"Antique 19th C. French Copper Marmite Cauldron – Large 84cm Belly Pot \u0026 Planter","description":"\u003cp\u003eAn exceptional \u003cb\u003e19th-century French coppersmith-made hearth cauldron (\u003ci\u003emarmite\u003c\/i\u003e)\u003c\/b\u003e, steeped in character and personal history. Originally brought back decades ago from a French \u003ci\u003ebrocante\u003c\/i\u003e (flea market) in Paris by a 25-year-old traveler, this pot spent a lifetime as a beloved garden and interior planter before finding its next chapter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eHistorical Significance \u0026amp; Craftsmanship\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eTraditional French Form:\u003c\/b\u003e Known as a \u003ci\u003emarmite\u003c\/i\u003e or \u003ci\u003echaudron\u003c\/i\u003e, this distinctive wide-bellied shape was designed for open-hearth slow cooking in 19th-century French kitchens. The narrow 16 cm rim expanding out to an impressive \u003cb\u003e84 cm girth (~30 cm belly diameter)\u003c\/b\u003e allowed for slow heat retention, ideal for simmering pot-au-feu, stews, and soups over glowing coals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eArtisan Coppersmithing:\u003c\/b\u003e Completely hand-raised from heavy-gauge sheet copper by a skilled French coppersmith. Visible along the lower body are interlocking dovetail joints (\u003ci\u003ecramp joining\u003c\/i\u003e) sealed with molten brass solder—a traditional technique used before mass-factory production.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eForged Handles:\u003c\/b\u003e Its thick, cast-copper side handles are anchored by heavy rivets set against broad, hand-hammered mounting escutcheons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eHistorical Traces:\u003c\/b\u003e The interior bears remnants of its original tin lining (\u003ci\u003eétamage\u003c\/i\u003e), which protected food from raw copper reactions during its working life as cookware.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eCondition \u0026amp; Provenance\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSourced directly from a Paris \u003ci\u003ebrocante\u003c\/i\u003e over half a century ago, the pot carries a deep, natural patina built over more than a century of use—first over domestic fires, and later as a cherished botanical planter. The exterior features rich fiery copper tones, muted verdigris in the crevices, and authentic fire-blackened character around the base.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eWidth (Handle to Handle):\u003c\/b\u003e 34 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eHeight:\u003c\/b\u003e 22 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eBelly Circumference:\u003c\/b\u003e 84 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eTop Opening:\u003c\/b\u003e 16 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eSummary \u0026amp; Usage\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA substantial piece of 19th-century French culinary history. Highly versatile for modern rustic, country house, or French farmhouse interiors—ideal as a focal centerpiece, fireplace log holder, or luxurious indoor\/outdoor planter for large greenery.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Vintage Midcentury","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53979544256840,"sku":null,"price":250.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0847\/8677\/4344\/files\/Antique_19th_C._French_Copper_Marmite_Cauldron_Large_84cm_Belly_Pot_Planter.jpg?v=1788467514","url":"https:\/\/vintagemidcentury.co.uk\/products\/antique-19th-c-french-copper-marmite-cauldron-large-84cm-belly-pot-planter","provider":"Vintage Midcentury","version":"1.0","type":"link"}