Vintage Copper Colander Help

Hi all!

I bought this copper colander in a pretty sorry state, but I've cleaned it up and it looks much better. The inside still looks pretty bad, so I'm wondering if our copper collectors have any advice on how to get it looking great again? Also, there is some yellowing on the outside, is this permenant damage or do I need to polish again? Where some of the polish sat around the drain holes it does look cleaner so I might need to go for round two.

I have so far used standard copper polish, and a little lemon juice on a test spot (didn't work). I've used an old sponge and a coarse washcloth.


Also I think this can be safely used for washing uncut fruit/veggies, and possibly straining pasta etc, but is this correct?

Thank you as always!

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I could be wrong, but based on the silver remnants in the recesses and other areas, it looks like it may have had a tin lining at some point that has gotten scrubbed off.

I think it would be safe for quick use applications (pasta draining, rinsing vegetables, etc) provided you have thoroughly cleaned it after the polishing, but I am no expert. Maybe @the blacksmith knows. Maybe he can also tell you how bare copper reacts with certain foods...

 

Certain foods, especially fruit and vegetables, contain natural acids. But as sabre said, a quick rinse is probably fine. Clean well after use, so the acids are gone.

 

The yellow areas might indicate it once had a lacquer coating.

 

I'd bet on lacquer on the outside and tinned inside, once upon a time. If possible and you really want to use it, you can have the interior re-tinned. I doubt it's as old as it wants to be, early 90s maybe.

 

I agree with this.

Is it possible that the silvery-looking areas are under the copper instead of on top of it? (Sorry, I can't tell from the photos.) I'm wondering if it is actually copper-coated?

 

Agree, not very old. Rachel is in France, where a lot of copper pots and pans are still made, no doubt colanders as well.

 

It looks Indian to me with those heavy brass handles. Very typical construction.

 

This is a very informative site and includes info about French copper with brass handles. Unfortunately, none of the examples shown look like yours.

https://www.vintagefrenchcopper.com/brass-handles-french-copper/