Antique French Bar Egg Dispenser

Time was when you could walk into any self-respecting French bar and on the counter you would find a présentoir à oeufs - a (typically) metal stand that would hold a half dozen or so hard-boiled eggs still in their shells. The eggs were free for the taking with a salt shaker and maybe a mustard pot nearby to dress the egg. It is believed that this tradition started sometime in the seventeenth century, reputedly born of a surplus amount of eggs and a requirement that establishments serving liquor also serve food.

This tradition eventually found its way throughout the western world with pickled eggs being offered in England and Germany and the traditional variety in the United States offered as part of a workman's lunch.

Health departments have long since put an end to this practice almost everywhere and vintage French présentoirs have become a highly collectible memento of a simpler time.

Found at a countryside market in the south of France, we are thrilled to offer this incredible Antique Egg Dispenser that once stood proudly on the counter in a French bar. Highly unique and absolutely rare, this hen dispenser is made of wood with a metal chute attached to the back. With a push of a button, the egg is released out of the chute and drops to the nest below.

We have never seen another présentoir like this anywhere. Not at any market, not online. It bring the charms of the French countryside to your home and would surely take pride of place on your home bar or in your kitchen.

Strictly one-of-a-kind and subject to prior sale. In very good antique condition. Please note: The dispenser is functional, but since the hens in 1900s France were not fed a diet of hormonally enhanced feed, they laid smaller eggs. The chute will only accommodate small eggs. The accompanying nest is not vintage and not original, but is included to help create the display in your home. Measures 18"H x 14"L x 9.5"W.