Old copperware (boilers, pitchers, pans and other items) is becoming more and more scarce. Like most authentic antique collectibles, they will continue to increase in value.

Antique copperware pieces are obtained from numerous villages throughout the Turkish countryside. Each item was once used as everyday cookware, but modern kitchen utensils are now replacing them. Once a piece is obtained, it is shipped to factories to await restoration.

The restoration process, which includes sorting, repairing, stripping and buffing brings each item back to its original shape. A skilled coppersmith uses the same old techniques used when the item was originally hand-crafted many decades ago. Dents and deformations are skillfully hammered out by these craftsman who spend many long hours reconditioning each piece. Fractures and holes caused by time are braised and welded by a coppersmith using the same hand tools and jigs used by his forefathers. The original pattern of each piece is skillfully retained and, if necessary, handles and lids are rebuilt to their original configuration.

Because most copper items were made to be used as kitchen utensils, they were tinned (plated with tin) inside and out to prevent oxidation. A very important step to the restoration process (to bring out the richness and beauty of the copper) is to carefully remove the tin plating from the outside. Removal of tin is accomplished with steel brushes and buffing machines. On most of the items, it is possible to see some traces of tin that was left from this process. The end result of the restoration process is a beautiful piece of copper which retains all of its historical and aesthetic charm.

Although it is difficult to estimate the absolute age of any of these copper pieces, it is obvious from historical records that they are 50 to 100 years old. While old copper items are restored to their original shapes, they are not usable as cookware and should be utilized as decorative accessories only.