Tripod skillet + IOHN · FATHERS. - Jar - Bronze

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

The long, slender handle is at the top equipped with the recognizable and sharply readable casting 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 are today among the most documented and sought-after masters within this specific early household object.

The grape is heavy-built and cast in one piece. At the underside of the bulbous boiler there is still the original round sprue channel clearly visible (sprue mark). The exterior bears a weathered, original fire patina that reflects centuries of use on an open hearth, while the interior shows the characteristic smooth turning traces.

Condition Report
Construction: The handle is solid and securely anchored to the boiler.

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

Feet & Stand: One of the feet shows wear/length loss from direct contact with the glowing embers and stones of the hearth floor. Because a tripod always finds its plane, the pan sits completely stable (does not wobble), with a slight, characteristic tilt.

Overall: Fully original and unaltered; no later hard-soldering or additions.

Specifications
Origin: Montacute, Somerset, England
Maker: John Fathers (active ca. 1660 – 1700)
Inscription on 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 upper part of the boiler: 15 cm
Height: 14 cm