French Antique 18th Century Limestone Well

A French antique stone wellhead from the 18th century with more formality than most: a cylindrical limestone body with a raised oval cartouche on one face and a moulded base. The stone drifts between pale cream and warm gray, with soft honey staining and charcoal in the shadows of the relief. The surface is dry and matte, pitted and open-pored, and still carries faint tool marks. A deep notch cuts through the thick rim where a rope or pulley once ran.

It measures 38 1/2 inches across and 33 inches high; the opening inside is about 26 3/4 inches across. It is French, 18th century, and comes as found. Set it so the cartouche faces the approach; the moulded base meets the ground with a finished edge and needs no plinth.

It anchors a garden room or a large indoor atrium, holds a high-stemmed olive whose canopy sits at eye level, or hides a water reservoir for a quiet fountain. Terracotta paving or crushed gravel around it brings out the honey in the grain. Of the antique wellheads in the yard this is the dressiest. The stone wellhead can be seen in Marina Del Rey by appointment, or we will send more photographs and a quote.