Antique P.H. Griffin Albany NY Copper Kettle Gooseneck Spout Signed 19th C For Sale

A wonderful survivor of the mid-19th-century American coppersmith’s trade: a hand-formed copper kettle signed “P. H. GRIFFIN / ALBANY” on its broad swinging strap handle.

Patrick H. Griffin is documented in Albany, New York directories as a coppersmith and plumber by 1852 and continued to be listed at the corner of Steuben and James Streets during the following decades. Based upon Griffin’s documented working period and the kettle’s construction, it is conservatively dated circa 1850–1865.

The kettle features a flaring gooseneck spout, removable domed lid with ball finial, riveted handle brackets, swinging copper strap handle, old tinned interior and folded or rolled base construction. Its irregularities, soldered joints and evidence of historic repairs are all part of its character as a genuinely hand-worked utilitarian object.

An especially interesting piece of Griffin-related history appeared in the March 2, 1864 issue of the Albany publication The Canteen. It reported that Captain P. H. Griffin donated 100 canes made from a palmetto log that General Michael Corcoran had sent him while Corcoran was a prisoner in Charleston, South Carolina. The newspaper described Griffin as physically small but possessing “a big heart.”

That account is included as documented historical background concerning Griffin—not as a claim that this kettle belonged to General Corcoran.

According to our family history, this kettle was given to my parents as a wedding present during the 1950s by a relative associated with Shepherdstown, West Virginia. It has remained in the family since that time. Its history before that gift is unknown.

MEASUREMENTS

Length at widest point, including spout: approximately 12 1/2 inchesHeight with handle raised: approximately 9 1/2 inchesHeight to top of lid finial: approximately 7 inchesBody diameter at widest point: approximately 9 inchesBase diameter: approximately 7 3/8 inches

CONDITION

The kettle retains a dark, naturally aged surface with oxidation, verdigris, dents, scratches, discoloration, old solder and evidence of historic repairs. The interior tinning is extensively worn and deteriorated. There is visible separation/opening at the old soldered spout joint, and the end of the spout is irregular. It has not been tested for watertightness and is offered strictly for display or collection—not for cooking, heating water or other food use.

Please review all photographs carefully for construction, patina and condition. No polishing or restoration has been undertaken.