Pot (2) - Copper

Another rediscovery in the old house of my paternal grandparents.
There are no obvious damages; the two cauldrons or boilers present themselves in all their originality acquired over time... so whether you prefer to bring out the copper’s shine from the impurities of soot or verdigris, or keep it as is.
The 2 cauldrons in the photo are made of antique copper, historically used for cooking polenta or large boils over an open flame.
Large cauldron features a double-body structure: the upper band is bright copper with two solid side handles, while the bottom narrows, taking on a darkened hue from prolonged contact with fire in an old stone oven.
The interior is lined with a layer of tin (tinning) to insulate the food from the copper, preventing toxic acidic reactions.
This is an old copper cauldron with ring handles, often used also as a decorative item. These boilers may show signs of wear and patina due to age, indicating historical use. They are often made of hammered or hand-forged copper.
This cauldron is presumably between 70 and 120 years old, dating to a period between the late 19th century and the first half of the 20th century (1930s–1950s). To determine the exact age more precisely, it helps to analyze some specific constructive details:
Elements to estimate the age
The Nails and the Handles: The large riveted nails visible inside, which secure the copper side handles, indicate artisanal, manual workmanship typical of the late 19th century or the early decades of the 20th century.
The Shape of the Bottom: The older cauldrons (up to the late 1800s) usually had a bulged bottom to be hung inside the fireplace with a chain. If this model has a flat bottom, it is more likely to date to the 20th century, designed to rest on wood stoves or economical domestic setups.
The Dark Patina: The bottom darkened by the fire shows long real use on hearths, accumulated over decades of culinary preparations.
Description also aided by Google AI
Dimensions:
Diameter at the rolled edge 38.5 cm
Internal edge diameter 35.5 cm
Bottom diameter 28.5 cm
Height at the rolled edge 32 cm
Height at the handle ends 39.5 cm

Small cauldron
Second cauldron found in the paternal grandparents’ house.
There are no visible damages; the cauldron or boiler presents itself in all its originality acquired over time... so if you prefer to bring out the copper’s shine from the impurities of soot or verdigris, or keep it as is.
This is a solid traditional copper cauldron, often used in the past for cooking or boiling.
The piece features a sturdy wrought-iron handle fixed with rivets characteristic of Italian rural craftsmanship. The surface shows a natural patina accumulated over time, which may include traces of verdigris, often sought by collectors for its rustic look.
These cauldrons can be used for vintage decoration or as planters (cachepots).
This type of solid copper cauldron with an arched wrought-iron handle dates predominantly to the period between the late 19th century and the first half of the 20th century (circa 1880–1950).
Some visual elements help place it in this era:
The fixing rivets, large nails, thick hand-forged rivets that secure the handle to the structure indicate artisanal, pre-industrial manufacture or the early 20th century.
The thick horizontal reinforcing band below the rim provided structural stability when the cauldron, full and heavy, was hung from the chimney chain.
The flared shape and the traditionally bulging bottom (typical of hearth models, before the introduction of flat-bottomed models for economical gas cookers) confirm its classic rural use.
Original copper color with a golden hue especially in the brighter areas
Description also aided by Google AI
Dimensions:
Diameter from the edge to the curl 34.5 cm
Bottom diameter 29 cm
Height at the handle 30 cm
Height at the curled edge 24 cm