Antique Duck Press 19th Century Cast Iron

Late 19th century cast iron duck press from France. This press retains traces of it’s original blue green colour and gold trim.  The ceramic bowl is thick and heavy with no chips or cracks. The press has 4 legs which can be screwed to a counter top to allow firm turning of the wheel to crush the contents of the steel jar by the pressing plate. The juices then drain out through the spout to a waiting pan for cooking the sauce. Canard à la presse was made famous by Machenet in Paris at the dawn of the 19th century, quickly becoming popular among the culinarily elite. The duck press, and it’s dish, canard à la presse was later adopted by the Chef, Frèdèric, of  La Tour d’ Argent in Paris, making it his restaurant’s signature dish, which they continue to serve today.