Early Antique Copper Poaching Pan | Hand Forged European Cookware
Antique Copper Pan | Egg/Escargot Poaching with Handle is one of those old kitchen pieces we would happily hang on the wall rack and never take down. Handmade from copper with six individual cooking wells and a long hand-forged iron handle, it has a beautifully primitive quality that feels wonderfully different from later commercial cookware. The warm, timeworn copper and dark iron are exactly the kind of untouched surfaces we love finding.
The construction is especially good. A handmade mustache-shaped iron bracket joins the handle to the pan with old rivets, while a forged loop at the end makes it easy to hang. The interior is dated and also bears an unidentified registry or ownership-style marking. We believe the piece is European and possibly Greek, perhaps originally made for a domestic or estate kitchen, although its exact origin and the meaning of the markings remain unconfirmed.
The six rounded wells may have been used for poaching eggs, preparing escargot, or another regional dish. Today, we especially love it simply as an incredible piece of old cookware. At more than two feet long, it has wonderful presence hanging from a pot rack or kitchen wall, or layered with old cutting boards, pottery, and other collected copper.
Shop more pieces with the same collected character in our Vintage Kitchen Decor collection and Vintage Stoneware, Clay Pottery & Handmade Earthenware collection.
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Materials: copper with hand-forged iron handle and hardware
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Origin: Europe; possibly Greek, exact origin unconfirmed
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Markings: dated on the interior with an additional unidentified registry or ownership-style mark
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Era: believed to be early 19th century
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Dimensions: 24.25" L including handle x 12" Dia. pan x 2.5" H
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Condition: antique; wear consistent with age and use; beautiful natural copper and iron patina, oxidation, discoloration, surface marks, and age-related imperfections present (see photos)
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Use: decorative copper cookware, hanging kitchen display, collectible antique pan; culinary use only at buyer's discretion after determining suitability for food preparation
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Sourcing: hand selected from an estate
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Design Notes: handmade copper pan with six individual wells, long hand-forged iron handle, distinctive mustache-shaped riveted bracket, hanging loop, interior markings, and incredible old patina
We especially love that you can see the hand of the maker in this one. The forged iron, old rivets, unusual bracket, individual wells, and beautifully worn copper give it a character that simply can't be reproduced. Whether it ever returns to the kitchen for its original purpose or spends the next hundred years hanging on a wall, it's a wonderfully storied piece.
Please Note: The exact country of origin, original culinary purpose, date, and meaning of the interior markings have not been independently authenticated. Greek origin is possible but unconfirmed. This antique pan is offered primarily as a decorative and collectible piece. We have not tested its metals or surfaces for food safety. Due to the vintage and antique nature of our items, all sales are final. Please carefully review all photographs, read the complete description, and verify measurements before purchasing. Condition details, wear, patina, repairs, and imperfections are disclosed to the best of our ability and are part of the character of antique and vintage goods.