Unique French Copper Item unknown origin

3

Love it

1

Like it

See 2 more

Add to collection

Add to collection

I am hoping your expertise can lead me to the answers I have been searching for over many years. I was hoping you could help me identify the item in the attached photographs. I thought it may have some historical significance and that you could help in its identification. I have done quite a bit of research thus far and have yet to find an item similar to this one. I have contacted several French Revolutionary historians and none of them could provide me with any significant information about it. I purchased it at the estate auction of Margaret L. Hubbard in Cazenovia, NY. Margaret Hubbard was the wife of R. James Hubbard. R. James Hubbard was the great grandson of the founder of Cazenovia, NY, R. H. Hubbard who had owned the library building when it was privately held and also apparently had some association with George Washington. This item had been passed down in her family.

The auctioneer suggested that it could be an ammunition accessory to have been perhaps mounted on a cannon but I could tell he really did not know what it was. For some unexplained reason I was just drawn to it and thought it was unique and beautiful. It is a very curious artifact and I can't help think it is of some historical significance as it is quite ornate and the work is rather detailed. It is made of copper and has a emblem on the front of a rooster/cockerel with it's foot on a bomb or grenade of some sort with the word "LIBERTE" on it which I understand could be associated with the revolution. Could it perhaps be from a grenadier regimen and used as an ammunition pouch of sorts? It does appear to have has a hole on its bottom which was sealed off at a later point. It appears to be rather old due to the fabrication. I know the rooster/cockerel was a symbol of France at various points in history, especially during revolutionary times. Have you ever come across an item like this and if so can you tell me what it is or was used for and perhaps if you think it may be from the French Revolutionary period. It's origin and use has stumped, puzzled and intrigued me for years and I have not been able to find another item like it. I am hoping you could offer a suggestion towards its significance or even just tell me what it is and perhaps the time period. Thank you very much for your assistance.