Pair of 19th Century French Cast Iron Flame-Topped Finials w/ Bottle Green Finish - 27¼"

This pair of late 19th-century French cast iron finials is richly sculpted in the form of flame-topped urns, traditionally referred to as pots à feu. Each piece rests on a circular base and features a spiraled body adorned with a band of rounded beading beneath the lid. The surfaces retain traces of their original deep bottle-green finish, now gently worn with areas of exposed iron and light rusting that highlight their age. One finial shows an old repair at the base, consistent with their long history of use, adding to the authenticity of their patina and presence.

Pots à feu finials were emblematic architectural ornaments in 18th- and 19th-century France, often used to crown garden gates, balustrades, or entrance pillars. Their design, evoking flames rising from a classical urn, symbolized vitality and continuity, while also lending grandeur to exterior architecture. Cast iron versions such as this pair made such embellishments more durable and accessible, blending neoclassical inspiration with the industrial production techniques of the 19th century.

Today, these finials may be used as dramatic decorative accents either indoors or outdoors. They can be placed atop entryway columns or garden gate posts to recapture their original function, or displayed indoors on consoles, mantels, or pedestals where their sculptural forms and timeworn surfaces bring historic charm. With their rich patina and classical symbolism, they offer an elegant way to introduce architectural character into contemporary interiors or garden designs.