Dumpster find...copper pot, old hammer...lots of pics help.

junkin

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Feb 20, 2014
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Dumpster find...copper pot, old hammer...lot's of pics help.

Hello, need some help with these. The pot I found in a dumpster (Ya, gotta at least glance into em). I can't see a makers mark (the bottom is so charred, must have been used for ???? years) no nails, no rivets, no screws. I looked online but couldn't find anything similar. The hammer (just old with stories) was in a box of tools I paid a couple of bucks for. So here are the pics.
 

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Upvote 2

unclemac

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Oct 12, 2011
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well the hammer is a ball peen, used for metal work. I use them to beat copper sheets for furniture applications. how big is the pot? a copper kettle like that is a useful item depending on size.
 

NJ Marty

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Jun 7, 2008
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Hello, need some help with these. The pot I found in a dumpster (Ya, gotta at least glance into em). I can't see a makers mark (the bottom is so charred, must have been used for ???? years) no nails, no rivets, no screws. I looked online but couldn't find anything similar. The hammer (just old with stories) was in a box of tools I paid a couple of bucks for. So here are the pics.
How much does the pot weigh? If its not anything scrap value would be good. Copper is about $3 lb.
 

AusTexDude

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That thing is old and looks to be hand forged. It might be worth a lot of money.
 

AusTexDude

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DO NOT CLEAN IT you may destroy the value.
 

Roland58

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It is hard to believe someone could not see any value in that pot and simply disposed of it. Good find for you!!
 

huntsman53

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Jun 11, 2013
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I agree with others about the Copper pot! It is old, probably hammered and probably Blacksmith made due to the handle parts. It could be worth up to $50 and possibly more to the right person.


Frank
 

EagleDown

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If you've ever cooked on an old wood burning stove, you probably had something similar nearby. Something to put the hot cinders in. The fact that it appears to be hand forged copper could date it (possibly) prior to the 20th century, Unless you can find something like it that IS dated, it would be very hard to say when it was made. The main problem would be that if copper was available, it would be the metal of choice, since it is much easier to hand work than steel. And this held true up into the early 20th century, especially in rural areas. Beautiful example of craftsmanship. Thanks for sharing!!
 

g-olden years

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Congrats on your copper pot! :blob9::blob3::blob6: If I found that, I'd keep it for sure -- real groovy older item! HAVE FUN! :cat: Andi
 

Last edited:

g-olden years

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Nov 10, 2010
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Congrats on your copper pot! :blob9::blob3::blob6: If I found that, I'd keep it for sure -- real groovy older item! HAVE FUN! :cat: Andi
 

Msbeepbeep

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Nice finds for sure!
 

gunsil

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Dec 27, 2012
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They still import copper and brass pots just like that today from India and Pakistan. They are all handmade and indescernable from older ones. Don't be disappointed if it turns out to be a modern one. I got several from my Aunt's estate, she purchased them in the 1970s, and had one full of water on her wood stove to provide moisture in the air, and the bottom is all burned looking like the one in the photo. It looks more like brass than copper in the photo. The hammer is also commonly used by all auto mechanics and other tradesmen. Gotta agree, never pass a dumpster without taking a look!!
 

JUNKER

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Apr 7, 2012
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Good find and you never know what you will find that people throw out I've seen brand new things still wrapped up never opened there's money to be made in those bins never hurts to look or ask
 

gunsil

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good spot!

Ebay is a place with real identification and knowledge?? Both those listings are modern made in India planters available at such stores as Pier Imports. The prices are BINs from sellers who haven't a clue what they have, and I doubt they will get their asking prices. Anybody can call anything an antique, but that doesn't make it true.
 

huntsman53

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Ebay is a place with real identification and knowledge?? Both those listings are modern made in India planters available at such stores as Pier Imports. The prices are BINs from sellers who haven't a clue what they have, and I doubt they will get their asking prices. Anybody can call anything an antique, but that doesn't make it true.

You are probably correct about the two Copper pots that I linked to on eBay as they appear to have modern type rivets for the handle anchors! However, I really don't think that is the case with the O.P's Copper pot as the rivets, the handle anchors and the handle appear to be Blacksmith made. I purchased and resold one fairly similar to the O.P's and it was Blacksmith made sometime in the early to mid 1800's. It even had repairs that were done by a Blacksmith.


Frank
 

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