Jan & John Maggs

Antiques and Art

A very early bronze three-legged cauldron

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A rare cooking utensil, this large bronze pot has two ears which engaged an iron pot lifter to be moved nearer or closer to the fire. This example has excellent form and color and a pronounced sprue on its underside. It has suffered no damage during its several centuries. The two brazed marks on the sides may be signatures.

Traditionally, cast pots did not have integral lifters. Whereas a large kitchen would have had several pots, one or two pot lifters were probably sufficient to move them all about. Further, a lifter on a pot near the open fire would become dangerously hot in a few minutes. The large ears on each pot made coupling pot and lifter a simple task.

Probably German or Austrian, 14th – 15th century

Diameter at belly: approx.. 12”; Height: 9”

Price: $1,850

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