Maurie brought an amazing treasure home to me this weekend --
This incredible copper trough was in his parents' basement. I'm calling it a trough, because we aren't sure what it is, exactly. Neither he nor his sister remember what their parents used it for, or where they might have gotten it. I searched around on Ebay and Google, and didn't see anything similar. I don't really care what it is, I just know that I love it! The patina on this copper piece took years and years to develop. It's perfectly imperfect to me! I love the red wooden handles, too.
Here it is cleaned up and sitting on our buffet table. It's huge, 28 inches wide, and probably won't stay here. But I'm enjoying looking at it.
Anyone have any ideas what I should call this thing?!
I'm joining Kim's Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style
It is a copper wash boiler. At any rate, one just like it was used to boil water on an open fire in the yard to use for laundry by my family. It wasn't easy doing laundry back in "the good old days!" I have enjoyed having mine for many years, and it has served as firewood storage, magazine storage, a planter, etc. etc. Enjoy yours - I love the red handle. Sally
Posted by: salmagundi | July 24, 2012 at 05:28 PM
I thought maybe it was for washing (clothes or kids!). So beautiful. What will you do with it?
Liz
Posted by: Liz | July 24, 2012 at 07:13 PM
Sally got it! It is a copper wash boiler and an absolute treasure!
Thanks for coming by the Back Porch. We are hoping all goes well and we get to move closer to our kiddo's soon.:-)
Posted by: Pat@BPM | July 24, 2012 at 07:14 PM
Beautiful patina! I found your link on Savvy Southern Style.
Have a great week!
Angela
Posted by: Angela | July 24, 2012 at 07:16 PM
Well, you knew someone would have an answer. It is beautiful. And so many possibilities for it. To think it was just setting there...
Brenda
Posted by: Brenda Kula-Pruitt | July 24, 2012 at 07:47 PM
You lucky girl. That's a great piece. :)
Posted by: Stacey | July 24, 2012 at 09:24 PM
I have one. It is great to use to keep drinks cold at a party. It will hold tons of ice along with the beer and sodas.
Posted by: Janette@The2Seasons | July 24, 2012 at 09:47 PM
I seen one at the Canton Flea Market last month and would have loved to have bought it though it was a bit too pricey. You're very lucky to have one.
Posted by: Jana | July 24, 2012 at 10:07 PM
This is a boiler, used to boil water and wash clothes.....I have my mom's and have it filled with magazines right now....it is a real treasure!!!
Posted by: sweet violets | July 25, 2012 at 12:11 AM
Yup, it's a boiler for washing laundry. I have a galvanized one that first got painted black and then white. I've seen jillions of them over the years but the rare ones have lids (like yours and mine) :-) Got something special planned for it?
Posted by: Chris | July 25, 2012 at 12:31 AM
I like the look and how big it is!!!
Posted by: Daniela @frugal ain't cheap | July 25, 2012 at 08:31 AM
Well, what ever it is, it is delightful!!! I love finding gems like that!
Posted by: Bella Michelle | July 25, 2012 at 11:06 AM
Wow, I love this!! I am hosting Giveaway where you could win a 50 dollar gift card to the store HomeGoods. I would love to see you at My Dream Canvas.
Posted by: Anu@MyDreamCanvas | July 25, 2012 at 03:15 PM
It's a boiler.. I bought one and store firewood in it by the fireplace.
Posted by: Molly | July 26, 2012 at 10:01 AM
I don't know what you would call it, but I want it! It's beautiful.
Posted by: Jacki | July 26, 2012 at 04:46 PM
Love your new treasure!I'm not sure what to call it either, but I have seen them before. I think I'd fill it with magazines and set it next to a comfy sofa with the lid partly on.
- The Tablescaper
Posted by: The Tablescaper | July 27, 2012 at 08:19 AM
What a great score, with the bonus of family history and being free. Can't wait to see how you use it!
Posted by: Michele | July 27, 2012 at 09:52 AM
I am sooo glad to know what your copper pot's original purpose was for, as I have one as well, but I don't have the beautiful lid. Mine is used for display in my studio for my pillows I make. It was a magazine holder before that.
Posted by: Leanne@TheBurlapCottage | July 27, 2012 at 06:58 PM
I have a wonderful copper wash boiler sitting on my porch filled with pillows to grab when we sit in the garden. But, it has held magazines, wood, dolls, and other items over the years. Got it for $2 at a yard sale ages ago. Enjoy yours.
Posted by: carol | July 29, 2012 at 04:17 PM
Here in Virginia they were used to cook hams. So we call them Ham Cookers. You can look this wording up and see quite a few. I won an old enamelware one at auction few years ago, use it as my bread box.
Lola
Posted by: Lola | August 31, 2012 at 08:25 AM