Lot #8: Pair of Massive Antique European Copper Skillets – 19th Century Hearth Pans w Hand-Forged Handles

Spectacular, matching pair of exceptionally large and heavy antique copper frying pans. These impressive culinary artifacts date to the 19th century and were crafted for traditional open-hearth or wood-stove cooking. Each pan showcases magnificent craftsmanship, featuring hand-hammered details and an incredibly rare handle design. The massive, long flat-iron handles are stabilized by beautifully scrolled, hand-forged wrought iron side support braces (sometimes called heart or flared-strap designs), which wrap around the pan's rim to secure the heavy vessels securely. The assembly is held together by rugged, oversized copper rivets showing distinct blacksmith hammer marks. The interiors retain their traditional wipe-tinned linings, showing a rich, authentic history of use, while the copper exteriors display a deep, warm, reflective patina. These pieces are unmarked—which is common for regional blacksmith and coppersmith commissions of this era—but their extraordinary scale, construction, and weight point clearly to high-quality 19th-century European (likely French or Scandinavian) origin. Era: Mid-to-late 19th Century (c. 1850–1890). Rare Handle Bracing: Most standard antique copper pans feature a simple three-rivet base plate. The extended split-prong side braces on these handles are highly sought after by collectors, as they were only used on very large, heavy-gauge commercial or estate kitchenware to prevent the handle from twisting under extreme weight. PICKUP NOTE: Access Storage - ample parking. Do not go to the front office - Please come to loading dock ramps and see our team member with your lot numbers/ invoice. Pickup category timeslot {B}