Brass Hot Pot Appraisal

Vintage Copper and Brass Hot Pot Chafing Dish

This is a vintage copper-body hot pot set, commonly used for serving broth-based dishes such as Shabu-Shabu or fondue. The item consists of three primary components: a tiered lid, a central basin with an interior heating chimney, and a matching pedestal base. The material is primarily spun copper with a warm, reddish-orange patina, accented with brass-toned hardware and wooden handles for heat insulation. The lid features two small wooden finials and a flared rim. The main basin is supported by a lower ring which sits atop a slotted pedestal base designed to allow airflow for a Sterno or fuel burner underneath. Physically, the item shows signs of significant age and use, marked by an uneven patina and dark oxidation spots (verdigris potential), particularly on the upper chimney and the interior of the base. The construction appears to be machine-spun copper sheets joined with rivets, a common manufacturing style in the Philippines during the mid-to-late 20th century. The wooden handles show minor surface wear but remain intact. There are no visible maker's marks or stamps on the exterior, though the craftsmanship suggests a mass-produced yet functional mid-century kitchen item. The overall condition is fair to good, requiring a professional polish to restore its original luster, but it maintains structural integrity with no major dents or structural repairs visible.