THE BEAUTY AND FUNCTIONALITY OF COPPER HAS A PROFOUND PAST AND PRESENT

The beauty and functionality of copper has been with us since its earliest discovery which was about 9000 BC. in the Middle East.

GEORGE SPARROW CANDY MAKER WARMING BOWL

GEORGE SPARROW CANADIAN COPPERSMITH MARK

As for its usage it has a history over ten thousand years old. It is a naturally occurring un-compounded natural mineral that is found not far beneath the Earth's crust in many countries of the world as old as civilization. It is also found in all forms of organic life. It is not a man-made substance or alloy but has been excavated by mankind for many centuries and used to his advantage.

It has been used in coinage, weapons, utilitarian vessels, roofing, sculptures and jewelry. It is a relatively soft metal that can be easily sculptured to man's desires. Great architecture has copper accents such as we see in steeples of churches and other buildings. The roofing on many old buildings is also made from copper. Beautiful sculptures like the Statue of Liberty is made of copper. Some of the wonderful ancient coinage of the world has been made from copper. Weapons of defense have been made from copper. Ancient and present day jewelry has been made from copper. As decorative items, copper always adds a warmth and glow to any surroundings whether it is a rustic environment or contemporary modernism environment. Items may range from jardinieres, sculptures, coal scuttles all the way to designer jewelry.

Utilitarian vessels for many centuries have also been made from copper. True to the name arisen the famous coppersmiths of the past and one gleaming example of our Canadian heritage is the coppersmith of Toronto namely George Sparrow. This utilitarian piece is a "marvelous antique rose copper candy maker warming bowl". It dates circa 1900 and measures 18 1/2" Diameter by 9” Depth/Height. It is completely hand made with applied hand-wrought iron riveted handles and applied hand-wrought iron strip. The bowl is made in two sections that are joined together by the "dove tail" technique. This piece is well marked and carries an oval stamp on one of its exterior sides with the manufacturer’s marks. In terms of our Canadian history of coppersmiths, this is indeed a true museum piece. Candy makers that are signed are considerably rare and command much higher prices than those that are not signed. Candy makers that are not signed are more readily available and have far less value.