Recently arrived from market outside London and rich in lush detailing, this Antique English Copper Crocodile Pitcher is beautifully embossed with free-form scales that capture the dimensional, textured surface of crocodile or lizard skin. Dating from the 1930s and hand-crafted in England by the renowned Joseph Sankey art metalsmith studio, this handsome jug gleams with a statured presence that is sure to impress.

A striking addition to any display and delightful as an impromptu vessel for a sprawling farmer's market bouquet or seasonal arrangement, this handsome pitcher with its rich gleaming patina has a sleek silhouette accentuated by the fine metalwork details created to replicate natural skin. A lasting treasure from a bygone era, it promises to shine, whether on display in the library, in the foyer with seasonal decor or nestled romantically by your wide brim at the garden door.

Learn More About Joseph Sankey and Sons

Joseph Sankey and Sons played a significant role in the history of British metalwork, leaving behind a lasting legacy of craftsmanship, innovation, and quality. Their contributions include a major breakthrough in metalurgy known as "Sankey's Metal," a system for manufacturing seamless brass and copper containers. This innovative method allowed for the production of vessels constructed from a single piece of metal, such as hot water bottles, inkwells, and basins. The "sankey" process involved pressing a sheet of metal into a mold to form the desired shape, resulting in a seamless and durable product not prone to leaks.

In addition to their consumer and industrial products, Joseph Sankey and Sons also engaged in architectural metalwork. They produced decorative grilles, railings, and ornamental elements for buildings and public spaces. Some of their notable projects included supplying metalwork for the Queen Victoria's iconic 19th-century construction triumph London's Crystal Palace.

Strictly one-of-a-kind and subject to prior sale. Measures 8.75"H x 11.5"H.