History
Bucyrus Copper Kettle Works: A Living Relic
Founded in 1874, D. Picking & Co. stands as the nation’s last remaining manufacturer of hand-hammered copper kettles. Today, this enterprise is known as Bucyrus Copper Kettle Works, Inc.. The Walnut Street location is an outgrowth of the former hardware store once located directly west of the shop. At its inception, the copper shop was expressly built to meet the growing demand for apple butter kettles.
Apple Butter Kettles
D. Picking and Co. was born out of demand for apple butter kettles.
The copper trade in Bucyrus began as a direct extension of the local hardware store trying to keep pace with the high demand for apple butter kettles. The kettles were originally sourced from Pennsylvania. But Bucyrus hardware store partners Picking and Geiger saw an opportunity to expand their business and have greater control over their own inventory.
As a result, they had their tinsmiths retrained as coppersmiths by two copper specialists from Pennsylvania. By 1874, the hardware store was selling its own kettles.
After the partnership between Geiger and Picking dissolved in 1879, Daniel Picking continued the business at the Walnut Street location. However, a poor apple harvest in 1880 prompted him to diversify his product line, now adding Swiss cheese kettles and timpani drum shells.
Timpani
D. Picking began making timpani shells out of a practical necessity to diversify its product line.
Today, Bucyrus Copper Kettle Works is a premier maker of hand-hammered copper shells--a major component of timpani (i.e. kettle) drums).
Our custom, symphonic tympani shells have long been in high demand by famous timpanists due to their superior quality and ability to produce unique tonal qualities and resonance.
Today, orchestras across America and around the world still treasure the exquisite timpani shells that have been made in Bucyrus for more than a century. Due to their hand-crafted construction, no two tympani produce exactly the same sound. Timpanists with exacting standards rely on Bucyrus Copper Kettle Works, valuing the company’s emphasis on precision and high quality.
Our timpani shells are available in all sizes and styles.
Our renovation work is also highly specialized and prized.
BCKW strives to create a timpani shell that produces unique and characteristic sounds.
Today, Bucyrus Copper Kettle Works is proudly listed on the America 250-OH “Creativity Trail” for its influence as a historic instrument maker.
Candy and Caramel Corn Kettles
D. Picking began making candy and caramel corn kettles out of a practical necessity to once again diversify its product line.
The production line of the business changed again when Swiss Cheese makers turned to stainless steel equipment for cheese making. D. Picking and Co. quickly responded by replacing Swiss Cheese kettles with the production of candy kettles and caramel corn kettles.
Known for heating quickly and evenly, copper kettles do not adversely affect the taste of the contents. Due to their superior performance and longevity, these candy and caramel copper kettles continue to be in high demand for both large-scale commercial use and by DIYers.
Preserve Kettles
This 3-gallon kettle provides even heat distribution for cooking jams, jellies, and preserves. It also features a convenient tip handle and pour spout. This product can also be polished and lacquered—but then it can only be used for decorative purposes.
Flat Bottom Kettles
Copper cookware has regained in popularity due to its superior heat conductivity and temperature control, as well as its overall aesthetic appeal.
With the rise of cooking shows and celebrity chefs, there has been a renewed emphasis on professional-grade cooking tools. Unlacquered, our flat bottom kettles are durable utensils for many cooking practices. They are also a healthier and more natural choice when compared to synthetic stick-on options. Our flat bottom kettles range in sizes from 4 quarts to 15 gallons.
With its warm, metallic finish, lacquered flat bottom kettles are treasured decorative accents for the home.
Further Diversification–Decorative Items
Copper offers a look that is visually-striking, sophisticated, and upscale.
And, with a growing appreciation for traditional craftsmanship and artisanal products, copper items are increasingly used as decorative items in the home.
We offer hammered copper items such as small-scale kettles, old fashioned coal hods & shovels, decorative bowls, round & oval wastebaskets, skimmers and ladles. A most highly prized item is the miniature cheese kettle that is made entirely by hand. Our newer and smaller decorative items include vases, roses, and ornaments.