Expert: Martin G Roberts - 3/25/2004

Question
I have a tin lined copper pan with an applied  forged iron handle. It is 7" in dia. and is just over 2-1/4" high. The pan is stamped "V. Olac & Sons, Phila." I would like to know where to find information on its value.  A search of the web turned up no information on the manufacturer and most similar pans I saw on eBay were touted as being French in origin.

Thank you for any information you may provide.

Robin Kildow

Answer
-

American copper pans are not something I'm very familiar with - being a British based dealer - but there are a couple of things to look for. You've spotted the handle is forged iron/steel, which is a later feature, and you should check whether the base of the pan is dovetailed in, or whether the pan is pressed (no seams). If the latter, again it is an indication of later date.

In my limited references related to American coppersmiths, I can find no record of this company, but there were numerous coppersmiths in the Philadelphia area in the 19th century.

Value: no idea in the American market, but in the UK similar pans in excellent condition are worth around £50/$100 (copper is seriously out of fashion right now!).

Martin