18th Century Cotswold Limestone Salting Trough

A very large antique limestone trough planter or fountain circa 1800. It is extremely rare to find a limestone trough like this with so little...

A reclaimed French stone trough carved with a makers mark across to the bottom left of the front: ‘Evrard A Fourmies’. Previously built into a wel...

A handsome antique Italian marble trough. Dating to circa 1880, its characterful weathered look would look perfect in traditional and contempora...

An antique carved Istrian stone basin. Dating to circa 1600-1700, this charming trough has certainly stood the test of home, showcasing a desirable weat...

Hand-carved in France during the 18th century, this limestone trough showcases the aging character that only centuries of use can create. Its rectangular form, with weathered surface...

Hand-carved from limestone in France during the 18th century, this antique trough has a rectangular form with timeworn edges and a surface softened by centuries of use. The stone bea...

This 17th-century French limestone trough provides an appealing rectangular form and is an ideal choice for outdoor spaces. Its stone construction ensures longevity and a classic aes...

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...