Might have a rare one. A. W. Obermann Patent US 334459 A January 19, 1886

[Jeff Keegan]

Hi Folks.
Cool Forum. I happened across here when I was trying to find the patent information on this kettle. The year was impossible to read so I was at it about two hours but I finally found it. That's when I found y'all. Overmann's Perfection Foundry Chicago is in the foundry list and I saw a later than 1886 reference in a patent number list also.

Anyway...

Here's the piece.
Besides what you can see, It's a 4 quart capacity and there's a gate mark visible on the bottom. Seems super high quality

Was just looking for general opinions on the piece like scarcity; are they like everywhere around the Mid-West?
Opinions on value?
I'm Thinking of selling it. This isn't the kind of piece I normally buy, I'm much more into the 18th century stuff, but I thought it was so unique I couldn't leave it.

Anything else you want to say about it?

Thanks and Cheers!

https://www.google.com/patents/US334459?dq=334,459&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi4iejptsHLAhWGOT4KHdFiDt0Q6AEIHDAA

[Jim Glatthaar]

Welcome to the forum, Jeff.  I can't help with value on the piece, but I agree it appears to be very well constructed. 8-)

[C. Perry Rapier]

Hello Jeff. Welcome to WAGS. Glad you found us.  :)

You might already know that your piece is a safety kettle. A few manufacturers made them. There should be a tin lid that goes with this and a trivet that fits in the bottom as well. I have one of these that has the lid and trivet. Yours looks to be in good shape. If it could be identified it would be worth more because collectors want pieces that they know or can find out about. As for value I say around fifty dollars or so. Its a nice piece and looks to be in good condition. You don't show pictures of the cooking surface so I'm pricing it as if it has no issues on the cooking surface. If it does have pitting on the cooking surface that knocks the price way down. Congratulations on your find. And good luck with whatever you decide to do with it.  :)

[Jeff Keegan]

I didn't know it was called a safety kettle thanks. I know the lid is missing but did not know a trivet existed. I bet it has a matched ring that it fits right into. The cooking surface has some pitting. Definitely not perfect but I wouldn't hesitate to cook on it.

So let me ask this then.
Since It's identifiable and I've gone ahead and done that already, does that kill the fun for a collector? I mean now I think if one googles the patent date with cast iron this thread is sure to come up first or second.

I suppose that could be true for any piece that has a date but no number. Whether it can be identified in two minutes or two hours, the latter for me but point the next person who looks for it will find this on their first search.
Do you think this thread should be modified to mask my research and make it more fun for the next owner if I do decide to sell?

Thanks for the info!

Thought I'd show y'all my most fabulous piece, an early Kettle.
Cheers!

[Cheryl Watson]

Jeff, it appears that Mr. Obermann was quite the inventor, and there are other patents out there that kinda, sorta, look like your kettle.

When I looked at Mr. Obermann's patents, I noticed that he moved around quite a bit, from Chicago, to Pittsburgh, to Newcastle, PA.

I am not certain whether he actually had his own Foundry! or just sold the rights to his patents to others. :)

So, no this does not kill the fun for the collector, it simply expands the hunt, for who really done it!  :) :)

Now if you are liking the history and all, I encourage you to join WAGS, because then you can see the neat stuff on our Foundry List !

If you have any pics of the writing on this kettle (or tracings) it would make a nice addition to that list!  The other piece that has been found looks a bit different! ;)

[Cheryl Watson]

And lovin' that teakettle and hearth hanging contraption too!

[Mark Zizzi]

That big tea kettle is awesome! How big is it..looks too big for tea.

[Jeff Keegan]

Thanks Everyone for the information and for turning my pics.
The kettle is about 1 gallon, 12 inches to the spout.
The angle kinda distorts the perspective.
On the pouring hanger it's about 2 feet tall
I'll make pics of the markings on the vessel
Cheers!

[Jeff Keegan]

Wanted to say thanks again for all the information y'all helped me with. I've decided to auction this piece on eBay starting this afternoon 3-18-16 to end 3-25-16

An eBay search for Obermann Cast Iron will bring it up

Here are the extra pictures I promised.
Have a great weekend everyone!
Jeff

[C. Perry Rapier]

Hello again Jeff. When you get your piece on ebay come here and post a link to your auction. Also are you selling that pouring harness?  :-/

[Jeff Keegan]

Ok Cool. I wasn't sure if that was allowed.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Scarce-Antique-Cast-Iron-Kettle-Pot-Dutch-Oven-A-W-Obermann-Pat-334459-Gate-Mark-/262341501926?ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT

Sorry no, the pouring harness is not for sale. My collection is more wrought iron with only a few cast pieces.

Cheers!