18th Century Religious Copper Lavabo Font Wall Fountain Planter Circa 1800 AF Georgian

This is only one surviving part of a copper lavabo from the 1800 to 1820 period but what a part. This beautifully crafted copper item can now be utilized as a wall planter, Jardiniere, wine cooler or decorative storage vessel for your home. The word lavabo is derived from the Latin word for "I will wash". The term is historically connected with several aspects of sacred hand washing both during and after religious ceremonies. Before modern plumbing, it also became a familiar name in the French kitchen when an upper storage tank and lower matching bowl were used to wash one's hands throughout the day. Inevitably it was the fore runner to the modern sink.

Our late Georgian example has an scrolling shaped back plate with the engraved design of an eagle holding an olive branch in its beak and so we presume that our example was religious purposes. There is also a decorative border of small relief crosses found to the top of the holding basin. The curved front of the basin and its base are one complete section of copper. The base raises approx 1.5" up the back. the back plate was then attached to the base with a row of copper rivets. The back plate was joined to the curved front at the sides by way of a thick strip of lead/ solder.

SIZE: 12" by 10.75" by 6.5"

CONDITION: AF - as found. Our ancient example with its splendid, uncleaned patina has been very well used over the centuries as seen from the wonderful verdigris oxidization to the interior. It is missing its hinged copper lid, only part of the riveted holding hinge mechanism remains. This lavabo is also missing its matching copper bowl. Each side has movement to the inner top sides corners where the old lead has detached. The brass tap or spigot has a very old solder repair to the underside - seen from the base. There is an old ding to the bottom edge. However, we think that you will agree that it has plenty of modern uses and is not only a very beautiful but a useful decorative antique to enhance your period home.

SHIPPING: This item will be shipped for FREE via expedited courier to the UK, USA, Canada and mainland Europe ONLY. Customers from elsewhere in the world would be charged for shipping, please contact us beforehand to discuss. Please make sure that you are up to date with your own countries import fees/ charges as we do not cover these. All customers please also supply us with a contact phone number AT POINT OF PURCHASE as this is a requirement of the courier and your countries customs agency.