Vintage Tagus Portugal Copper Egg Coddler Complete With Chicken Finial

Details

Description

Discovered at a Vermont Country House Sale, this charming copper and brass egg coddler by Tagus of Portugal is a … Read more Discovered at a Vermont Country House Sale, this charming copper and brass egg coddler by Tagus of Portugal is a complete, functional treasure. With its whimsical chicken finial and gracefully curved decorative legs, it's as much a conversation starter as a practical cooking vessel.
The Art of Egg Coddling
Dating back to the 1880s, egg coddling was the hallmark of refined Victorian and Edwardian dining. Eggs are gently steamed using a water bath, creating impossibly tender whites and perfectly runny yolks. Unlike porcelain Royal Worcester coddlers, this Portuguese copper version handles three eggs at once—ideal for family breakfasts. Add butter, cream, herbs, or cheese before cooking to create personalized breakfast delicacies. Copper's superior heat conductivity makes it perfect for the delicate art of egg cookery.
Copper: The Victorian Kitchen's Crown Jewel
Copper cookware was prized in Victorian kitchens for both its beauty and exceptional thermal conductivity. Grand estates displayed hundreds of copper pieces, and Portuguese craftsmen like Tagus developed their own distinctive style—balancing functionality with folk-art charm. This egg coddler, with its decorative chicken finial and scrolled legs, exemplifies that sensibility: practical yet playful, built to work yet beautiful enough to bring to the table.
About Tagus
Tagus was a respected Portuguese manufacturer of copper and brass household wares, primarily active during the mid-20th century (1960s-1970s). Their pieces combined traditional metalworking techniques with accessible pricing. Today, Tagus pieces are sought by collectors who appreciate their European craftsmanship, decorative appeal, and the warm patina that only vintage copper develops.
Why Collectors Love Vintage Copper
Today's collectors rediscover vintage copper for compelling reasons: sustainability and craftsmanship (built to last generations), unmatched cooking performance (superior heat conductivity), visual warmth in any kitchen, and historical connection. This complete coddler—with its burner assembly and whimsical chicken handle—speaks to a time when even simple breakfasts were occasions worth celebrating.
Complete & Ready
What makes this piece special is its completeness. Many vintage warmers have lost components over decades. This retains all three pieces: outer copper body with removable domed lid (topped with brass chicken finial), interior egg holder for three eggs, and original brass burner. The copper shows lovely natural patina with normal handling wear—exactly what you want in vintage copper. The interior remains remarkably clean, ready for use or display.
Specifications
Maker: Tagus, Portugal
Materials: Copper body, brass chicken finial and decorative elements
Condition: Very clean interior, normal light handling wear to exterior finish consistent with age and use. Complete with all three pieces.
Dimensions:

Height: 9 inches
Width at base (leg span): 5.25 inches
Dome circumference: 13.25 inches
Weight: 1 lb 8.2 oz (with all pieces)

Era: Mid-20th century (circa 1960s-1970s)
Provenance: Sourced from a Vermont Country House Sale

From the collection of Gentlemanly Pursuits, Montgomery, Vermont—where every treasure tells a story and sustainability meets style. See less