Nor' West Company

Historically Authentic Tin and Copper Camp and Cookware

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• Tin Ware, including cups, mugs and kettles

•  Copper Campware including mugs and kettles

• Tin Versus Copper:  Which is "best"? 

• Caring for your metal cookware

All of our tin and copperware is made by hand, one piece at a time by our favorite tinsmith.  

Tin Ware:

 8 oz tapered tin cup, fits nicely inside our kettles and tea pot.   Many camp cooks use this accurate little cup as a measuring cup. Only  $10.00 each    (G)

Tin tea kettle with copper bottom.  The combination of the heat-conductive copper bottom and tapered sides results in a tea kettle that boils water incredibly quickly.  Only  $45.00 (G)

Tin Coffee Pot holds over 1/2 gallon of your favorite brew.  Features both a bale and handle for easy hanging and pouring, historically authentic styling and construction, and a copper bottom for durability and heat transfer.  This is the best historically authentic coffee pot you can find for only $65.00. (G)

Copper Campware

16 oz. Straight Sided Mug, tin lined for food safety.  Only $26.75 (G)

Tin Versus Copper.  Which is "best"?

    Both tin and copper are historically authentic for cook and table ware.  The material we usually refer to as "tin" is actually sheet steel or sheet iron that has been plated with a thin layer of tin and is referred to as "tin-plate" by metalworkers.  Tin is lighter in weight than copper and is less expensive, but because the plating is so thin, tin is prone to rusting unless it is diligently cared for.  Even with good care tin is far less durable than copper.  During the revolutionary war the British army expected a tin kettle issued to a "mess" of men to last only one year.

    Copper is more expensive, more durable and conducts heat more readily and more evenly than does tin.  For that reason many professional chefs still prefer copper cookware to that of other materials.  Copper is softer than tin-plate and is more prone to dings and dents.  On the other hand it is less prone to corrosion than tin so is generally much more durable.  Copper reacts with acidic foods or beverages to form "verdigris", a greenish colored form of corrosion.  Because of this reaction most copper cooking and table ware is coated with tin over the interior surfaces, to render it food safe. 

Caring for your metal cookware

    With reasonable care historically authentic tin and copper cookware can provide many years of good service.  The most important thing to remember is that the soldered seams and tin lining of our copper goods melts at a relatively low temperature.  NEVER allow your historically authentic tin or copperware to boil dry.  When cooking over an open fire, turn the side-seam away from the hottest flame if possible (if not possible, don't worry too much about it).  When using tin or copper teapots, be sure the liquid extends into the spout.

    After use, wash and then thoroughly dry your tinware to prevent rust or oxidation.  Do not store food or liquids in your tin kettles or pots.  After drying, a light coat of vegetable or mineral oil will also help prevent rust.  Avoid using steel wool or abrasive cleaners on tinware, as they may easily scratch the tin plate leaving the item prone to rusting.  

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