Antique Mercier Champagne Shipping Crate - 18" x 19¼"

This early 20th-century French wooden champagne shipping crate was made for E. Mercier & Co. of Épernay. Constructed from simple nailed softwood boards, one outer edge is strengthened by a darkened vertical wooden reinforcing strip, a charmingly direct detail that reflects the crate’s practical, utilitarian construction. It retains bold original stenciling across several sides, including E. MERCIER & Co., EPERNAY, weight and inventory markings, and the particularly evocative inscription CHAMPAGNE DEUXIÈME ZONE. The pale wood has developed a wonderfully dry, honeyed patina, with darkened nail heads, stains, rubbing and marks from repeated handling giving the surface considerable depth and character. Its sturdy, open construction remains practical for storage today.

The Champagne Deuxième Zone inscription is particularly significant. The designation was created by decree in 1911 for wines from the Aube, following the turbulent disputes over the boundaries of the Champagne region, and legislation specifically required the words deuxième zone to appear on labels, commercial papers, packaging and containers. The distinction disappeared when the Aube was fully incorporated into the Champagne appellation in 1927, strongly suggesting that this crate dates from between 1911 and 1927. Mercier itself had been founded in Épernay by Eugène Mercier in 1858, making the surviving house markings another appealing link to the history of Champagne production and trade. Its honest, work-worn patina and history rooted in Champagne production make it a characterful addition to a wine cellar or pantry. It could equally hold bottles in a bar, logs beside a fireplace or fresh produce in the kitchen.