Tripod skillet + IOHN · FATHERS. - Jar - Bronze

A particularly handsome and authentic 17th-century English three-legged hearth accessory (in England referred to as a tripod skillet or posnet), cast in bell metal.

The long, slender handle is at the top furnished with the recognizable, sharply readable caster's mark in high relief: + IOHN · FATHERS.

The Fathers family (John Fathers I & II) were based in Montacute (Somerset, England) in the second half of the 17th century. They were known as bronze founders and bell founders (braziers & bell founders) and today are among the most documented and sought-after masters within this specific early utilitarian object.

The grape is heavily constructed and cast in one piece. On the underside of the rounded boiler there is still clearly the original round casting channel (sprue mark). The exterior bears a well-worn, original fire patina that reflects centuries of use on an open hearth, while the interior shows the characteristic smooth turning marks.

Condition report
Construction: The handle is solid and firmly anchored to the boiler.

Rim / Handle foot: On both sides of the handle foot there are two fine, authentic hairline cracks in the rim. This is typical stress and metal fatigue caused by the lever action of the heavy handle on bell metal, but it poses no structural danger to the piece.

Pedestals & stand: One of the legs shows wear/length loss from intensive direct contact with glowing coals and the hearth floor stones. Because a tripod always lies level, the pan stands completely stable (does not wobble), with a slight, characteristic tilt.

Overall: Completely original and unrenovated; no later hard-soldering or additions.

Specifications
Origin: Montacute, Somerset, England
Maker: John Fathers (active ca. 1660 – 1700)
Inscription on the handle: + IOHN · FATHERS
Dating: Second half of the 17th century (ca. 1670 – 1690)
Material: Cast bronze / bell metal
Dimensions:
Total length (incl. handle): 35 cm
Diameter of the top of the boiler: 15 cm
Height: 14 cm