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An unusually large antique copper zabaglione pan, or polsonetto, featuring an elaborate six-rivet handle attachment decorated with individually punched rosettes or stars, a beautifully hand-hammered body, and an exceptionally long copper handle fitted with a wooden insert. The end of the handle terminates in a formed copper hanging loop, allowing the pan to be suspended when not in use. The extensive hammering, decorative punching, and unusual handle construction give this piece a distinctly hand-crafted character.
Adding further interest is a hand-punched name around the upper rim. To the left of the handle is stamped “BOCENTI,” while “DOMENICO” appears to the right, most likely identifying a former owner named Domenico Bocenti. Particularly unusual is the fact that both letter N\'s are reversed, apparently resulting from the same reversed letter punch being used in both names. Bocenti is a genuine Italian surname with a documented historical presence in northern Italy, particularly in the Emilia-Romagna region, supporting an Italian origin for this piece. While the inscription most likely represents an owner\'s name rather than a manufacturer\'s mark, its exact history remains unknown.
Sometimes described simply as a large copper ladle or double-boiler pan, this form was traditionally used for preparing zabaglione, the classic Italian dessert made by whisking egg yolks, sugar, and wine—traditionally Marsala—over gentle heat. The closely related French preparation is known as sabayon and may be made with various wines or other flavorings. Copper was particularly well suited to this type of cooking because of its excellent thermal conductivity and rapid response to changes in heat, giving the cook precise control while whisking delicate egg-based preparations. This example remains unlined, as many specialized traditional copper confectionery and pastry vessels were.
Dimensions of this antique pan are:
Diameter at the rim of 23cm or 9 inches
Sidewall height of about 14cm or 5.5 inches
Length when including the handle of 56cm or 22 inches
Weight of 1.39kg or 3 pounds 1 ounce
This is a used antique item but remains in very good condition, with only minor wear from age and use, including light scratches and a few small dings/dents. Its unusually large size, extensive hand-hammering, elaborate six-rivet handle construction, and hand-punched “BOCENTI DOMENICO” inscription make it a particularly distinctive example of traditional copper cookware. Whether displayed as an eye-catching decorative piece or kept as part of a serious copper collection, this zabaglione pan has a level of character and craftsmanship that sets it apart from more typical examples.
