Emilie Meyer
Selling copper pans can be a profitable side business, as copper is a valuable material. Used copper cookware can sell for anywhere between $495 and $58,000, with an average selling price of $2,500. The most valuable pieces will be of the heaviest construction, made by a renowned maker, in excellent condition, and of a useful size and form. To get the best price, it is recommended to clean every scrap of copper and cut the parts contaminated with welding materials or other metals. Online marketplaces such as eBay and Etsy are the primary mechanism for the resale of vintage and antique copper cookware, particularly for buyers in the United States.
Characteristics and Values for Selling Copper Pans
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Measurements | Include measurements in centimeters in the description |
| Photos | Include photos with an object for scale |
| Country of origin | The design of the baseplate and rivets can indicate the country of origin |
| Maker stamps | Check maker stamps against known examples to protect your reputation as an honest seller |
| Restoration | Incompetent attempts at restoration can lead to a loss in value |
| Online marketplaces | eBay and Etsy are the primary mechanisms for the resale of vintage and antique copper cookware |
| Shipping | Shipping from Europe can add $30 to $100 or more to the purchase price |
| Lining | Copper pans can be lined with tin, silver, stainless steel, nickel, or aluminum |
| Cleaning | Clean every scrap to get the best price |
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What You'll Learn
Selling vintage copper pans online
Marketplaces
Online marketplaces such as eBay and Etsy are the primary platforms for selling vintage and antique copper cookware, especially for buyers in the United States. These platforms provide global reach and representative pricing, making it easier to find potential customers. However, other options like Goodwill, Craigslist, leboncoin, and specialised auction and estate sale sites are also available.
Presentation
Clear and detailed information is essential when selling online. Provide precise measurements in centimetres for the pan body and handle-to-handle distance, as European cookware uses the metric system. Include multiple clear photos with a plain backdrop and an object for scale to help buyers understand the size of the pan.
Authenticity and Provenance
Be cautious when claiming provenance for your vintage copper pans. Dubious links to famous people or places are common, but they hold no value without accompanying documents or unambiguous stamps. If your piece has a maker's stamp, check it against known online examples to ensure authenticity and protect your reputation as an honest seller.
Restoration
Incompetent attempts at restoration can devalue your vintage copper pans. Collectors often seek original pieces, so avoid excessive polishing or cleaning with steel wool or sandpaper. Instead, focus on gently cleaning and preserving the piece without altering its original state.
Pricing
To determine a competitive price for your vintage copper pans, research and compare similar pieces for sale online. Consider the condition, size, form, and any distinctive features that may make your piece more desirable to collectors. Keep in mind that shipping costs and time can significantly impact the final price, especially for international buyers.
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How to refurbish copper pans
If you're looking to refurbish copper pans, there are a few things you can do to get them looking like new again. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Step 1: Assess the Pan
Before you begin, it's important to inspect the pan for any damage or issues. Pay attention to the thickness of the walls and the overall weight, as these indicate the quality of its construction. Thicker walls and heavier pans are generally higher quality. Look out for any creases, dents, or stretches in the copper that may need to be addressed.
Step 2: Remove Dents and Creases
If your pan has any dents or creases, you can use a hammer to gently tap it back into shape. Place the pan on a smooth, flat surface and use a piece of wood to protect the copper from direct hammering. Work slowly, feeling for any changes in the metal, and turn the pan over to work on both sides. For creases, you may need to heat and cool the metal to relax it and reduce the risk of cracking.
Step 3: Address Stretched Copper
If the copper is stretched, you may need to get creative. One option is to push the bottom in, making it slightly concave. Alternatively, you can use hammering to create a rippled base. This will ensure your pan sits evenly despite the stretched copper.
Step 4: Clean the Pan
Start by washing the pan with warm water, dish soap, and a non-abrasive sponge. Avoid using abrasive materials as they can scratch the copper. Dry the pan thoroughly with a clean cotton cloth. Avoid air-drying to prevent water spots.
Step 5: Remove Tarnish and Buildup
To remove any tarnish or buildup, you can use a commercial copper polish or a natural solution. For a natural option, combine two parts ketchup with one part fine sea salt and stir into a paste. Apply it to the pan and let it sit for several minutes before washing it off with cold water. Alternatively, you can use a slurry of vinegar, salt, and flour. After applying the slurry, wash the pan with warm, soapy water and dry thoroughly.
Step 6: Degrease the Pan
For a deeper clean, you can degrease the pan by soaking it in an acid pickle. Use a plastic container and always remember to pour the acid into the water, never the other way around. Fill the container with water first, then add a bottle of muriatic acid. Soak the pan in this solution to remove any remaining grease.
Step 7: Retinning (Optional)
If your copper pan has a lining, you may need to consider retinning. This is a more advanced process that involves removing the old lining and applying a new one. You can attempt this yourself with guidance from online sources, or you can seek out a professional tinner to do it for you.
Step 8: Final Touches
Once your pan is clean and any necessary repairs or relining have been done, take a moment to admire your handiwork! Your copper pan is now ready to be used and enjoyed, or perhaps sold if you're looking to part with it.
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Determining the value of copper pans
The thickness of the copper also plays a significant role in its value. Copper cookware should ideally be between 2.5 to 3mm thick. Thicker copper provides a rapid response to heat, while thinner copper may not heat as evenly. However, copper that is too thick can be impractical due to its weight and reduced heat conductivity. Therefore, finding the right balance is essential.
The maker of the copper pan can also impact its value. Look for a maker's stamp, which can provide information about who made the pan and when. Some makers are considered more collectible and valuable than others. For example, pieces stamped by known makers like Gaillard, Jacquotot, Legry, or Mauviel may command higher prices. Additionally, the condition of the pan is a critical factor. A pan that has been restored or polished can be priced higher than one in unrestored condition. However, incompetent attempts at restoration can decrease the value, so it's important to ensure any restoration work is done properly.
The size and form of the pan also influence its value. Measure the pan in centimeters, including the body and handle-to-handle dimensions. A pan that is useful in size and form will generally be more valuable. It's also important to consider the lining material of the copper pan. Traditionally, copper pans were lined with tin, but other materials like silver, stainless steel, nickel, or aluminum may also be used. The type of lining can impact the value and intended use of the pan.
Finally, the market demand and rarity of the copper pan can affect its value. If there is high demand and limited supply, prices tend to increase. Additionally, if the piece has a rare stamp mark or is rarely found, it may command a higher price.
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Identifying the maker of a copper pan
If you want to identify the maker of a copper pan, the first thing to look for is a stamp, which could be a word, number, logo, or symbol. In 1745, Louis XIV issued a set of laws that required copper manufacturers to stamp a unique and traceable mark on their products. This means that most vintage French copper pans bear at least one stamp, such as the maker's mark, a shop mark, a number, or the initials of an owner.
However, not all copper pans have a maker's mark. Instead, they might carry the mark of their diameter or the name or initials of their owner. In this case, you can try to identify the maker by examining the font of the stamp and comparing it to other pieces of known origin. Each coppersmith may have had a set of commonly used numbers that they would reuse, such as 26, 28, and 30, to identify pans of a given diameter. Some distinctive characteristics include the Gaillard 2, which has an upstroke at the tip of the baseline, and the Gaillard 4, which has a triangular-shaped crossbar.
Other characteristics that can help identify the maker of a copper pan include the thickness of the copper, the lining, and the design of the handle. For example, "Grands Magasins Du Louvre" copper pans were produced by Mauviel and can be identified by their heavyweight handles and thickness grades of "Fort" and "Extra-Fort." Another way to identify the maker of a copper pan is by the technique used to make it, as these changed significantly from the 19th to the 20th century.
If you are still unsure about the maker of your copper pan, you can try contacting a specialist company, such as Brooklyn Copper Cookware, or posting on forums such as Food52 and eGullet.
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Where to sell copper pans
If you are looking to sell copper pans, there are several options available to you. The first step is to determine whether your copper pans are antiques or collectibles, or whether they are meant for regular use.
Online Marketplaces
Online marketplaces are a great option for selling copper pans. Websites like eBay, Etsy, Craigslist, and Leboncoin are commonly used to sell vintage and antique copper cookware. These sites have a wide reach and can help you get the best price for your copper pans. When selling online, it is important to provide clear and detailed information about the product, including measurements and photos with an object for scale. Additionally, be sure to check for any maker stamps or distinctive designs that could increase the value of your pans.
Scrap Yards
If your copper pans are not in good condition or are not suitable for use, you can consider selling them as scrap metal. Scrap yards are located in many cities and towns across the world and will purchase copper scraps. The price of scrap copper fluctuates daily, but it is typically sold between $1.20 and $2.50 per pound. To get the best price, clean and cut the copper pans to remove any non-copper parts.
Specialty Websites
There are also specialty websites that cater specifically to the sale of copper cookware, such as 1stDibs and Vintage French Copper. These sites often have a more targeted audience of buyers who are specifically interested in copper items, which can increase your chances of making a sale.
Local Options
You can also try selling your copper pans locally through platforms like Craigslist or Goodwill. Additionally, you can look for local businesses that refurbish copper pans, such as East Coast Tinning, which may be interested in purchasing your pans for refurbishment and resale.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many online marketplaces to sell copper pans, such as eBay, Etsy, Craigslist, and 1stDibs. To get the best price, you should provide clear information, including measurements, weight, thickness, and photos with an object for scale.
The best price will be achieved for solid copper pieces with no alloys, uncontaminated by scraps of other metals or materials. Copper pans with distinctive handle designs, made by a great maker, in fine condition, and useful in size and form will also achieve a higher price.
You can sell your copper pans online, as mentioned above, or at a scrap yard. Scrap yards are located in almost every American city or town, as well as in every important city or town worldwide.
