Cauldron or massive apple butter kettle
United States or possibly Europe
1820-1880
Measurements
21-1/4 in x 30-5/8 in x 28-1/2 in (dia)
Materials
Copper body, iron handle, brass hinges
Credit Line
Historic Odessa Foundation, gift of Elizabeth Wallick
Accession Number
2013.12
Inscription
An illegible name is stamped into each handle hinge.
Condition Notes
The bottom has been repaired with solder.
Comments
The enormous pot or cauldron has an iron handle attached to cast hinges riveted to the copper body. The body has dovetail seams around the bottom and up one side. The top edge rolls outward.
The size of this cauldron suggests that it was used by a commercial venture of some sort. Similar forms, although significantly smaller in size, are commonly associated with preparing apple butter. If that was the purpose of this cauldron, the user would have supplied a large customer base as in an urban environment.
Discerning the illegible stamped name will improve identification of this object.
