Antique French 12-Liter Copper Winery Measure by Vermorel- 13½"

This early-20th-century French copper measuring vessel comes from the winemaking trade and is stamped VERMOREL, Villefranche, together with its 12-liter capacity. Hand formed in copper, it has a broad oval body with a rolled upper rim and reinforcing bands around the base. A wide, triangular pouring spout projects from one side, balanced by a small loop handle at the back for easy pouring. Two additional loops, one on either side near the rim, probably once supported a larger carrying handle that is now missing. The copper has developed a warm, varied surface with dents, marks and areas of verdigris, particularly around the base and extensively inside. It does not appear to be pierced, although we would recommend using a liner if filled with water. Several dents beneath the base mean that it sits with a slight wobble rather than perfectly flat.

Victor Vermorel (1848–1927) was a major figure in the scientific, agricultural and industrial development of the Beaujolais region, known for innovations in viticulture, making the Vermorel name closely associated with the modernization of rural and industrial life around the turn of the 20th century. This vessel is therefore more than an attractive piece of utilitarian copper: it is a tangible witness to the history of French winemaking and to a period of rapid technical progress in the vineyards of Beaujolais.

Today, its generous scale, aged copper and unusual shape give it plenty of decorative charm. It could be repurposed as a flower vessel, watering can or umbrella holder, or displayed among a collection of old copper and garden pieces. The dents, wear and green oxidation are very much part of its character, recording its former working life and giving the surface the depth that makes old utilitarian copper so appealing.