Horse Weathervane on Cupola

Bring timeless charm and equestrian elegance into your home with this Vintage Boho Patinated Copper Horse Weathervane Sculpture. Expertly craf...

Found in England, this circa 1900 iron finial has ivy leaves and a white painted finish. Mounted on a custom iron display stand. Unknown maker.

19Thc Original white painted cut outs from a barn area.This cool architectural element has cut out stars & hearts in fine as found condition.

Pair pinecone cast stone finials. Vintage cast stone garden ornament finials in the form of an inverted pinecone or pineapple on socle base. Some small losses to out-turned leaves ab...

A large 17th century French capital on a associated base. Sculpted front and sides, flat backside. Great to decorate a garden or display indoors.

17th century wall fountain of French limestone! A very unique and special one. This fountain is original, but with some small restorations.

Spread wing eagle perched on a sphere, molded copper, with a great gilded surface on the front. The back has a nice natural veridigris, American, Late 19th early 20th century. Purpor...

Fascinating objet d'art created and painted by artist Ira Yeager (American 1938-2022). Crafted from patinated zinc with an aged patina and verdigris. The four-sided diamond shape is ...

Antique French Limestone Trough; 18th Century Original Overview

This 18th-century antique French limestone trough (reference: OT213) is a rare, one-of-a-kind architectural salvage piece sourced from the rural countryside near Clermont-Ferrand, France. Carved by hand between 1760 and 1780, this substantial trough measures 201 cm wide × 130 cm deep × 71 cm high and weighs approximately 3,000 kg. The surface shows an authentic timeworn patina developed over centuries of use, enhancing its historical character.

Material & Craftsmanship

Crafted from solid French limestone (pierre calcaire), this trough was hand-carved from a single block. Its robust composition makes it highly resistant to weathering, while the natural stone’s subtle tonal variations and aged surface bear witness to its centuries-old origin.

Hand carving in the 18th century involved traditional chiseling techniques by skilled stonemasons, leaving subtle tool marks that add to its authenticity and charm.

Possible Uses in Landscape & Garden Design

Due to its size, weight, and historic appeal, this antique stone trough can serve as:

A focal point in a formal or rustic garden design An antique stone planter for trees, shrubs, or seasonal arrangements A water feature basin in a courtyard or landscaped estate A statement piece for heritage property restoration Historical Context

Stone troughs of this period were originally used in agricultural settings to hold water or feed for livestock. Their practical role and durable construction have ensured their survival for centuries, making them highly sought after by garden designers, landscape architects, and heritage property owners worldwide.

Why Choose De Opkamer?

De Opkamer is a recognised specialist in sourcing authentic European architectural...