Are Old Copper Pots Actually Worth Anything?

If you’ve inherited some tarnished old copper pots or found a few at a yard sale, you may be wondering if they’re worth keeping or trying to sell. Copper pots can last for generations when properly cared for. But not all antique copper pans have value on today’s market. So how do you determine if those dusty old pots stashed in your basement are rare finds or just old junk?

Copper pans were prized by cooks of the past for their unmatched heat conductivity and durability. Before readily available stainless steel, aluminum and non-stick pans, copper was a top choice for serious cooking. Its properties allowed for delicate temperature control perfect for candy-making simmering sauces, and more.

While mostly vintage European copper commands higher prices today, some quality American antique brands like Revere Ware also have avid collectors. Let’s look at what makes copper cookware valuable or not.

Factors That Give Old Copper Pots Value

Certain qualities can make vintage copper pans rare and desirable to buyers

• Maker’s mark – Copper stamped by famous French makers like Mauviel, Dehillerin, Gaillard, and Matfer has greater worth. Marks link pans to renowned companies.

• Thickness – Copper under 2mm thick has lower value. The thicker the walls, the higher the price. 2.5mm and up is best for conducting heat.

• Age – Copper made before the 1960s was usually hand-hammered and higher quality than later mass-produced pans.

• Condition – Pans with no dents, heavy tarnishing, or re-tinning needed are most valuable. Matching lid and all parts boost pricing.

• Usability – Copper in cooking condition and ready to use right away brings higher offers than pans needing restoration.

• Rarity – Unique shapes, sizes, and details attract collectors.

So old copper with maker stamps, thick walls, and in great vintage condition will garner collector interest and higher prices. Let’s look at what hurts antique copper value.

Factors That Decrease Old Copper’s Worth

On the flip side, these qualities make old copper pans less valuable:

• No identifying marks – Unsigned copper is harder to attribute to a notable maker.

• Thin walls – Copper under 2mm doesn’t retain heat well, reducing usefulness and value.

• Modern construction – Mid-century and newer copper pans were often machine-made in factories, not handcrafted.

• Poor condition – Dents, cracks, holes, and wobbly handles slash copper value. Missing lid and parts is also detrimental.

• Needs restoration – Uncleaned tarnish or holes where the tin lining has worn through negatively impact price.

• Common shapes/sizes – Standard pans like saucepots aren’t as unique or collectible.

So if your old copper is thin, damaged, and in need of repairs, it likely has limited monetary value. Let’s look closer at some specific factors.

Condition Counts

When dealing with antiques, condition is king for establishing value. This holds very true for vintage copper pans:

• Perfect or near-perfect condition – Has bright, smooth interior tin layer. No dents or malformations. Handles firmly attached and lid fits well. Worth full appraised value.

• Good usable condition – May have minor scratches or dings but can still be cooked in after cleaning and re-tinning if needed. Worth 50-75% of perfect condition value.

• Functional but worn – Discoloration, scratches, and small holes but still workable after repairs. Worth up to 50% of value.

• Damaged – Cracked, badly warped, or rusted through. Unsafe to use without major restoration work. Worth scrap metal value only.

Perfect or near-perfect old copper can command top dollar from collectors and cooking enthusiasts. But heavily damaged pans are only really worth the scrap copper’s melt value.

Do Maker’s Marks Increase Value?

Antique European copper often bears markings from the company that made it. This serves as a signature of quality and boosts collector interest and prices. Some iconic names to look for:

• Mauviel 1830 – Founded in Normandy, their copper is highly valued by chefs and collectors. Elaborate stamp patterns help date their vintage pieces.

• E. Dehillerin – Famous Parisian culinary supply shop selling copper since 1820. Their distinctive scrolling logo raises prices.

• Matfer Bourgeat – French maker since 1830, their bold double M logo carries cachet.

• Gaillard, Jacquotot, Legry – Well-known French copper manufacturers from the 1800s-1900s.

Of course, unmarked copper can still have worth if it meets other value factors. But collector demand for stamped pieces often adds to their price.

Don’t Overlook Small Details

Beyond the big factors above, small details make each antique copper pan unique and can subtly add or detract value:

• Ornate handles, spouts, and knobs show finer craftsmanship.

• Matching lid and other accessories increase completeness.

• Rare colors like gray prove more unique.

• Monograms, inscriptions, or other personalization usually lower prices.

• Signs of damage or repair (mismatched rivets, filled holes, etc.) can reduce worth.

So pay attention to the fine points too when evaluating your copper. It’s the little things that make each piece special.

Estimating Your Old Copper’s Worth

Figuring out precisely what your antique copper pans may be worth takes some research:

• Carefully examine each pan and note physical details, condition, markings, etc.

• Search online sales and auction sites for comparable pieces to yours to see listed prices.

• Adjust your price based on factors covered above. Better condition or unusual features might increase value. Damage or alterations can decrease worth.

• Consider getting in-person appraisals from antiques dealers familiar with vintage copper pricing trends in your area.

• Lookup prices guides like Kovels or eBay’s sold listings to see what your items or similar have sold for recently.

Don’t assume your old hand-me-down pans are valuable just because they’re copper. But with some inspection and comparison to current markets, you can determine if that tarnished pot has hidden worth.

Selling Your Vintage Copper Pans

If you determine your antique copper has legitimate collector value, how do you sell it? Here are some tips:

• Clean and shine up your copper to show its beauty. Carefully remove tarnish and polish the exterior. Re-tin interior if needed.

• Photograph each pan from multiple angles in good light. Close-ups of any markings, engraving, or unique details help too.

• Write detailed descriptions noting physical traits, dimensions, history, condition issues, etc. Mention any known maker names prominently.

• Check completed sales data to choose an appropriate asking price. Price on the higher side for room to negotiate.

• Offer domestic and international shipping options. Many copper buyers are worldwide.

• List pans individually or in small sets. Lower-value pieces can sell in larger lots.

• Market to audiences who appreciate vintage and handmade goods.

With effort and care, your once overlooked old copper pans could contribute some extra cash. But don’t expect a jackpot from that dusty old pot without researching its worth first. Happy hunting for copper treasure!