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I want to carefully restore my antique copper cook pot

Q. Dear Sirs:

I recently purchased an "antique" copper cook pot at an antique store. It is huge, approximately 30 gallon capacity, with an extended cast iron handle on one side and an enclosed (rivited on both ends) cast iron handle on the opposite side. I am sure it is quite old, because the bottom and side were soldered together in a dove-tail fasion. I was told it was silver-soldered to withstand the heat. I would like to restore it to as close to original as possible, both the copper pot and the cast handles. There is alot of dark green to black tarnish. Before I proceed with any cleaner or home remedy (I am concerned with maintaining the dovetails w/o a breach), I would appreciate some advice. A stamp on the pot is: L.F.D. & H., NY, if that helps.

Thank you, Patrick Falbo

Pat Falbo
- Ghent, West Virginia, USA
2004