French Empire Yellow Tole Lavabo

Urn form with a ball finial with domed cover flanked by scrolled handles, square base with brass spigot.

French Empire bowl with snake handles and beaded edge, reeded shallow bowl, square base with censor and wreath mounts, plinth base.

19th century French brass wall fountain ~ Lavabo is a charming relic from a bygone era! Back before the days of ubiquitous running water in every room of the house, folks were obliged to create ingenious solutions like this wall fountain. Such a piece would be placed just outside or inside the back door, so that when it was time to come inside from working in the fields, one could wash hands and face before entering the home. The reservoir above held sufficient water for the task, and the basin below captured the waste water for dumping later via an easily removable hanging system. The cast brass valves...

This beautiful gold and black fountain was French made in the 19th century. The spigots are both made in the shapes of a swan's head. Various designs ar...