Vintage Copper Vessel - Hand Hammered

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Offered is a slightly smaller version of my other hand-made, hand-hammered solid copper vessel being offered for sale. It too was presumably used to store water or bulk food stuffs. This container / pot was purchased from an antique dealer in Mombasa Kenya in '93. The dealer was an Indian national with a small shop on the outskirts of town. It was most probably made and used by workers who migrated to Africa from India. I don't know the exact age but it was definitely already decades old when I bought it in 1993. It was crafted out of the following sections as determined by the observed brazing seams, total four sections on this work: 1) Bottom, seam starts about 1" past the bottom turn. 2) Side Wall, seam about 1" below w it joins top sloped surface. 3) Top Sloped surface, ends at neck 3) Flanged and Shaped Top. This section was separately hammered out from flat stock to shape the various turns, then rolled and joined together with a vertical seam to form the complete top. It was then attached to the rest of the work. In comparing this work to the similarly shaped other item I have listed separately, this one definitely has more time invested in making it. You will note on the close up view of the side seam the joinery used. The coppersmith didn't just butt join and braze the sections but first cut overlapping teeth into the top section. The appearance is similar to dental trim. Whoever made this work was a master at his trade. And also curiously enough like the other piece, the different sections on this one took on varied degrees of patina which adds to its character -- the bottom is a highly praised deep red. The copper is very thick throughout. The flanged rim is also rolled over doubling its gage. It is obviously a well-used piece having a few dings and dents but these also add to its attractiveness. T is a split in the crease of the neck as indicated, but overall this is a nice vintage hand-made heavy duty copper vessel retired from service a very long time ago. Dimensions: Diameter Max: ~ 19.5" Height: 8.5" Flange, Rim to Rim: ~ 4.5" Flange Opening: 2.5" -- (Too small for getting my hand inside this one.) Weight: ~ 3.5LBS!! The opening bid reflects current copper scrap value and the unique work for this item. Being somewhat of a preservationist, I'd much rather have this piece find a new home w it can be displayed and enjoyed for generations to come. This piece was kicked around a bit through its years as evidenced by the denting clearly shown in the pictures. Sitting by itself, it has a little "list" because of the dent on the bottom when viewed from one angle. NOTE: You are bidding on the SMALLER copper vessel only. The stool, donga (ladle), brass pot and larger copper vessel are not part of this auction and are being sold separately. (The iPhone is not for sale). These "group photos" are being shown for comparative purposes and to show you how nice this pot looks perched on one of the two hand made wooden stools I am selling separately. As will all this collectibles I brought back from overseas, this item has primarily been boxed up in storage all these years. I never had the space to display it and will no longer be able to store it. This is another genuine vintage piece of hand fabricated copper work. Shipping is a fair calculated flat rate to CONUS only; all others please contact me first. Perhaps I should not have made the assumption on my other auctions, but combined/discounted shipping is of course available. Reduced shipments mean less work for me and savings for you. Thanks and best of luck! read more

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