The Vintage Kitchen Cookware That Could Be Worth Serious Money Today

Whether you are on social media or not, there's no ignoring the uptick in vintage interest. From brand-name clothing finds to antique materials, shoppers are searching their local thrift stores for valuable items, and the shelves are delivering. While many antique items are in demand, there's one type of cookware you should absolutely buy if you find it, because it could be worth hundreds. Vintage French copper cookware is a popular line, both because the materials are so good and because of their unique and rustic aesthetic. Some of these items can sell for upwards of $200, and larger items are listed on some sites for $2,000. If you plan to keep your haul for yourself, you'll be cooking with quality copper, which is durable and adds a stylish finish to your kitchen.

Copper cookware has long been considered a high-end choice and is a coveted tool of many chefs and home cooks alike. Known to be very heat-responsive, it will adjust to your temperature settings quickly and help cook food more efficiently. When compared to more standard and inexpensive cookware materials, copper's ability to heat up or cool down makes it much easier to cook with. Vintage copper pieces are usually lined with tin as well, which is a very durable, non-stick material. With so many creative ways to bring copper into your kitchen, why not start with these?

Modern copper pans are usually lined with stainless steel, which is why the vintage tin-lined versions can be more expensive. When you search for French copper cookware online, the prices range from a couple of hundred to thousands, and that's because the material itself is a high-end choice to cook with. However, if the tin inside a pan is scratched, the value of the copper cookware may decrease, and you might want to get it relined before cooking.

There are a few ways to determine if you've found authentic French copper, one of which is stamps. These may vary depending on the make and store where the pieces were sold. Generally found next to or on the handles, these stamps could be logos, numbers, or just words like France or Paris, but they might be rubbed down or hard to find. Another way to determine if you've found a French copper pot is to check the handle. French versions have a triangle-shaped attachment that is more rounded as opposed to the very triangular English ones.

The value of your French copper cookware all depends on these marks and the measurements, including the thickness of the copper. Different people measure these fines in different ways. Some experts suggest measuring the overall diameter and height of each piece in centimeters. When it comes to measuring the thickness of the exterior, they suggest using millimeters. More copper means greater value, and French pieces tend to be thicker than others.

As a once dated kitchen staple, copper pieces are very in again. You may find some French copper cookware in your local thrift stores and antique shops, but authentic pieces can be difficult to track down. Keep an eye out in the kitchen sections, but if you really want to get your hands on some, check online sites like eBay, Etsy, or Poshmark. If you're unsure of the authenticity, message the seller for more photos, measurements, or details of any stamps.

The aesthetic they bring to the kitchen is another reason so many people seek them out. The warm color of copper creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere that is also luxurious. Once you've found your copper pieces, you can display them in your kitchen by hanging them on hooks above cooking stations for a warm, cinematic look reminiscent of Nancy Meyers films. You could also pair them with wood to bring out the warm ambiance that copper is known for. Finally, if your cookware needs a little TLC, try cleaning your copper pots and pans with lemon juice and salt to make them shine.