Trade kettle for trekking

[Sicilian Hunter]

Looking for something on the smaller side, possibly tinned brass with a lid if available in an 18th Century design

 

[Black Hand]

Looking for something on the smaller side, possibly tinned brass with a lid if available in an 18th Century design

I have one similar to https://www.crazycrow.com/camping-kettles-and-buckets/old-style-brass-bucket-tin-lined-0
You probably won't find a kettle with a lid, but from experience, you won't need one. That said, one can be made from wood that will fit the opening.

This kettle will make enough stew to feed 4-6 people.

 

[Loyalist Dave]

Looking for something on the smaller side, possibly tinned brass with a lid if available in an 18th Century design

I just use a "soldier's can" and I take a piece of steel wire, and a nail, and punch a hole next to the handle on the mug, and then punch the second 180° away around the circumference of the edge of the mug to create a bale to suspend the mug over the fire if I wish, or if I heat the mug next to the fire, I can pick it up with a long stick . They had soldier's mugs, they had metal punches, they had wire bales..., but I can't point to any historic examples of this being done. It's much cheaper than a tinned copper or brass kettle, but be sure to put something inside the mug under where you're going to punch the hole to make only a hole and not a huge dent.

I get my soldier's cans from Avalon Forge http://www.avalonforge.com/MainCookEat.htm

LD

 

[Sicilian Hunter]

I have one similar to https://www.crazycrow.com/camping-kettles-and-buckets/old-style-brass-bucket-tin-lined-0
You probably won't find a kettle with a lid, but from experience, you won't need one. That said, one can be made from wood that will fit the opening.

This kettle will make enough stew to feed 4-6 people.

Hand,
How many quarts would you say that size is?
I saw a copper kettle at a 2nd hand store but it was a bit large and not tinned.
How safe is something that's not tinned inside to eat out of?

 

[Sicilian Hunter]

I just use a "soldier's can" and I take a piece of steel wire, and a nail, and punch a hole next to the handle on the mug, and then punch the second 180° away around the circumference of the edge of the mug to create a bale to suspend the mug over the fire if I wish, or if I heat the mug next to the fire, I can pick it up with a long stick . They had soldier's mugs, they had metal punches, they had wire bales..., but I can't point to any historic examples of this being done. It's much cheaper than a tinned copper or brass kettle, but be sure to put something inside the mug under where you're going to punch the hole to make only a hole and not a huge dent.

I get my soldier's cans from Avalon Forge http://www.avalonforge.com/MainCookEat.htm

LD

Dave,
The Soldier's can being the mug at the top of the list?

 

[Black Hand]

Hand,
How many quarts would you say that size is?
I saw a copper kettle at a 2nd hand store but it was a bit large and not tinned.
How safe is something that's not tinned inside to eat out of?

Half gallon/2 qts
Untinned brass is safe if you don't let verdigris form (that green coating that oxidized brass forms with time) - keep the inside shiny (At worst, verdigris might cause gastic upset). Cook the food, eat and clean - don't let food sit in the kettle.

 

[WKD]

Check out Westminister Forge Tom Brown does great copper trekking boilers that are tinned

 

[Black Hand]

Check out Westminister Forge Tom Brown does great copper trekking boilers that are tinned

The only problem is that boilers date from around the Civil War and aren't correct for F&I through Fur Trade (the closest period tinned copper pots that resemble boilers are the straight-sided HBC pots with lids).

 

[WKD]

The only problem is that boilers date from around the Civil War and aren't correct for F&I through Fur Trade (the closest period pot that resembles a boiler is the straight-sided HBC pot).

Check your sources and their offerings Tom Brown only makes well documented period pieces usually from F&I period

 

[Black Hand]

Check your sources and their offerings Tom Brown only makes well documented period pieces usually from F&I period

There aren't any links to documentation on his site. Unless some is provided, it is tough to check or determine the accuracy of their products.

 

[WKD]

There aren't any links to documentation on his site. Unless some is provided, it is tough to check...

Talk to him!

 

[Black Hand]

Talk to him!

Why?
If they have documentation it should be posted on their site (as I've seen elsewhere). The burden of proof lies with the person making the claim. Trust but verify...

 

[WKD]

Why?
If they have documentation it should be posted on their site (as I've seen elsewhere).

Tom is old school, not much into computers (he doesn't know how to turn one on) but does hand made historically correct copper. I have owned many of his pieces that have seen hard use for over 25 years hunting, trekking, and strict authenticity re-enacting camps.

 

[Black Hand]

Tom is old school, not much into computers (he doesn't know how to turn one on) but does hand made historically correct copper. I have owned many of his pieces that have seen hard use for over 25 years hunting, trekking, and strict authenticity re-enacting camps.

Not disputing the quality of the items. However, the lack of documentation is a little more problematic.
It would be best it they showed their item AND images of dated historical examples...

 

[Elnathan]

Plenty of historical examples here: https://www.scribd.com/document/205854633/Food-Preparation-Pots-Kettles-Dutch-Ovens

 

[Black Hand]

Plenty of historical examples here: https://www.scribd.com/document/205854633/Food-Preparation-Pots-Kettles-Dutch-Ovens

And not one that looks like the (in)famous corn boiler that everyone thinks is period...

 

[Loyalist Dave]

The Soldier's can being the mug at the top of the list?

Yep
You can spend $3 and cheat with a stainless one if you wish.
He's not the only guy that offers them either. They are pretty common.

LD

 

[Loyalist Dave]

And not one that looks like the (in)famous corn boiler that everyone thinks is period...

I was told by the purveyor of Goose Bay Workshops that the domed lid "corn boiler" is circa 1976...., it's historically inspired. Goose Bay provides information about actual "documentary pieces" on their site as well.

LD

 

[jackley]

Try, hotdiptin.com

Jerry

 

[Tim L]

Try backwoodstin.com