Bristol USA Lion Head Handle Hammered Solid Brass Planter 12x14"

Bristol Brass & Copper Inc. Hammered Brass Jardinière with Lion Head Ring Handle, Circa 1970s

Dimensions: Height 12 inches, Diameter 14 inches

This substantial brass planter showcases the quality American metalwork produced by Bristol Brass & Copper Inc., a respected Connecticut manufacturer with roots stretching back to 1850. Founded originally as the Bristol Brass and Clock Company in Bristol, Connecticut—a city known for its clock and brass industries—the company evolved through various name changes before becoming Bristol Brass & Copper Inc., operating until 1982. The generous 14-inch diameter and 12-inch height make this a commanding presence, sized perfectly for large potted plants, entertaining use as an ice bucket or champagne cooler, or simply as a standalone decorative statement. The hand-hammered surface treatment creates a wonderful play of light and shadow across the entire body, with each hammer mark catching and reflecting light differently as you move around the piece. This artisanal technique, which requires skilled metalworkers to methodically dimple the brass surface, was prized for adding visual interest and handcrafted quality that machine-smooth surfaces cannot match.

The single lion head ring handle—cast in relief and applied to the side—provides both a functional grip and classical ornamentation that elevates this from utilitarian object to decorative art. The lion motif, borrowed from centuries of European decorative tradition, speaks to strength and nobility while adding Old World sophistication to this American-made piece. A smooth brass band encircles the rim, providing crisp definition and contrasting beautifully with the hammered texture below. The slightly tapered cylindrical form sits securely on a flat base, ensuring stability whether displayed on a sideboard, used at a bar for chilling bottles, or positioned on a hearth. The warm golden brass finish develops character over time—it can be polished to a brilliant shine for formal settings or allowed to develop a distinguished patina. Bristol Brass pieces from the 1970s represent the final chapter of over a century of American brass manufacturing tradition, created during an era when domestic producers still emphasized quality construction and traditional metalworking techniques before production shifted overseas.

Style: Mid-Century American Traditional with Classical Revival influences

Maker: Bristol Brass & Copper Inc., Bristol, Connecticut, USA

Materials: Solid hand-hammered brass construction

Price Note: At $262.50, this Bristol Brass planter offers exceptional value for its size, quality, and American manufacturing heritage. Bristol Brass pieces are increasingly collectible as the company closed in 1982, making these among the last examples of traditional American brass manufacturing. The hand-hammered finish required significantly more labor than smooth brass, and the generous 14-inch diameter makes this particularly versatile for decorative and entertaining purposes.

Keywords: Bristol Brass planter, Connecticut brass, hammered brass jardiniere, American brass planter, lion head handle, 1970s brass, vintage Bristol, hand hammered brass, large brass planter, mid-century brass, brass cachepot, champagne bucket brass, ice bucket brass, vintage barware, American metalwork, collectible brass, Hollywood Regency style, solid brass planter, entertaining accessories, Bristol Connecticut, quality American brass, Bristol Brass & Copper Inc

Item Number: 631-83

Item ID: 290771

Category: PLANTER

• From: 3/8/26 - 4/6/26 Price: $236.25
• From: 4/7/26 - 5/7/26 Price: $210.00
• From: 5/8/26 - & After Price: $183.75