Large 19th-Century c.1850s French Copper Turbotière - Diamond Form, Brass Handles

A magnificent mid-19th-century French turbotière in heavy-gauge copper, with original brass handles - a striking piece of culinary heritage designed for poaching turbot, the 'king of fish'. At a Glance - Appeal & Desirability Date: c.1850s Origin: France Material: Hand-riveted copper with solid brass handles Design: Rare diamond-shaped turbotière, purpose-built for poaching and serving whole turbot Condition: Excellent antique condition with gentle age-related wear; polished to a soft, rich glow Use: Decorative or functional culinary display piece Distinctive Character: A rare example of 19th-century French copper kitchenware with beautifully balanced proportions Collectability: Highly sought-after among culinary historians, interior stylists, and collectors of fine kitchenalia Aesthetic Value: Functional craftsmanship elevated to decorative art, evoking the grandeur of 19th-century French dining and traditional haute cuisine Dimensions: H: 20.5cm (8.1") | W: 70cm (27.6") | D: 54cm (21.3") Delivery: Delivery not included. Please use the Request Delivery Quote feature before completing your order. Heritage & Craftsmanship An exceptional and rare survival of 19th-century French culinary craftsmanship, this large diamond-shaped turbotière — or turbot pan — was designed for poaching and presenting the prized flatfish whole. Crafted from heavy-gauge copper with finely shaped brass handles, its distinctive geometric form mirrors the outline of the turbot, allowing the fish to be both cooked and served as the centrepiece of a formal dining table. The pan’s bold proportions, meticulous construction, and deep patina reveal the enduring beauty of utilitarian design at its best. Once a fixture of grand kitchens and fine restaurants, it now stands equally proud as a sculptural statement piece — an object that unites gastronomy, craftsmanship, and history in a single form. Historical Note Turbot has long held a reputation as the “king of fish,” esteemed at the most refined European tables. By the mid-19th century, French chefs had perfected its preparation, creating copper turbotières that offered both practicality and visual theatre. The diamond-shaped form allowed for gentle poaching while preserving the fish’s natural shape, transforming a meal into a spectacle of culinary art. Such pieces were found in the kitchens of great houses and fine Parisian establishments, their enduring beauty a testament to both form and function. Today, surviving examples are rare and cherished, collected for their sculptural presence and the stories they tell of gastronomic excellence. Explore Every Facet Our photographs reveal the beautiful surface tone of the copper, the weight and shaping of the brass handles, and the subtle wear that gives this piece its undeniable authenticity. Styling Suggestions A superb decorative statement in a kitchen, dining room, or restaurant setting. Display on a butcher’s block, worktop, or wall hook to bring warmth and history to any culinary-inspired interior. Sustainable Style Thank you for choosing antique craftsmanship - a commitment to design that endures. Historic pieces like this celebrate skill, purpose, and beauty, offering a sustainable alternative to the disposable and the mass-produced. In the language of true craft, utility becomes artistry, and heritage lives on through appreciation and care. Purchase with Confidence Delivery is not included - please use the Request Delivery Quote feature before completing your order Trusted Heritage &Transparent Condition Details: When you purchase from White’s Antiques, you are not simply acquiring an antique item - you are embracing history.  Every item is described with care and photographed in detail to ensure complete transparency.  We are an established and successful business serving both trade and private collectors.  You are warmly invited to visit our shop at 53 High Street, Arundel, and/or our Showroom at The Vinery,  Poling, West Sussex to experience our curated collections firsthand, explore the rich history behind each antique and witness these timeless treasures in person.