The Butler Hoard - 1st July 2025
Lot 110
AN EXCEPTIONAL RARE, DOCUMENTED AND LARGE MEDIEVAL BRONZE CAULDRON
Estimate £3,000 - £4,000
Inc. Buyers Premium
Description
AN EXCEPTIONAL RARE, DOCUMENTED AND LARGE MEDIEVAL BRONZE CAULDRON
C.1300-1400
five gallon, having an almost spherical body, with pronounced casting ridges and three wire mouldings (cords), curved handles, the legs with pronounced central ribs
34.1cm high to rim, 30.5cm diameter
Catalogue Note
For a very similar, but much worn example, now in the Somerset Museum, Taunton, see R. Butler & C. Green, 'English Bronze Cooking Vessels & Their Founders 1350-1830' p. 171, no.184. There are clear indications that this cauldron is an early example and not made using typical production methods that prevailed in England during the 16th / 17th centuries. Namely, the surface shows no signs of a wiped finish, (often found on later vessels) and instead has a uniform granular texture and neatly executed wire mouldings. Furthermore, the presence of a flashline indicates the cauldron was probably loam cast, a technique used by late Medieval bell founders.