Simplex Appraisal

Vintage Simplex Copper Tea Kettle

This is a vintage Simplex tea kettle, constructed primarily of copper with brass accents and a dark-stained or ebonized wooden handle. The kettle features a robust, rounded body with a distinct lower band that suggests a double-bottom or reinforced base, a common characteristic for Simplex kettles designed for efficient boiling. The copper has developed a rich, variegated patina, indicative of its age and use, with areas of darker oxidation and some lighter, possibly cleaned or worn, spots. There are minor surface irregularities and small pitting visible, consistent with aged copperware. The 'swan-neck' style gooseneck spout is also copper, attached to the main body. The handle, which is arched over the top of the kettle, is made of brass, showing some tarnishing and green verdigris, particularly where it meets the copper body. The handle itself is segmented, with a darker central portion, likely wood, providing a comfortable grip. The lid is domed copper with a dark, possibly wooden or bakelite, knob. The overall craftsmanship appears solid, with visible seams suggesting a hand-assembled or early machine-made construction. The style points to a late 19th or early 20th-century piece, aligning with the period when copper kettles, especially Simplex models, were popular for their heating efficiency and aesthetic appeal. No specific maker's marks are discernible from the provided image, but the overall design strongly matches known Simplex kettles.