Mysteries

Can you help figure this out?

Close-up of a copper pan lid with a brass handle, featuring two rivets; a maker's stamp reads Jacquotot Paris.

The mystery of the dog-bone handles

November 4, 2022

Where did these distinctive handles come from?

Close-up of a worn maker's stamp on copper, showing J R and PARIS with patina and visible wear.

Alex’s J de R stockpot

July 4, 2022

Readers, I’d love your help to consider this mystery piece.

Vintage advertisements for knife polishing and cleaning powder by J. Jacquotot, featuring cylindrical containers.

Jacquotot, Gaillard, and déjà vu

July 5, 2021

There’s something curious going on with Jacquotot’s 1925 product catalog.

Close-up of a maker's stamp J & M on a metal handle, set against a wooden background.

Who made this distinctive pan?

January 7, 2021

Reader Roger B. has a pan with an unusual iron handle.

Selection of Mauviel copper cookware displayed on boxes, including a sauté pan with lid, a casserole, and a rondeau, all featuring stainless interiors.

Is this counterfeit Mauviel? (Solved: False alarm.)

September 19, 2020

I suspect so, but I’m not sure. Update: I think it’s genuine.

Jelly copper mould with a conical shape, two small side rings, slight tarnish, placed on a stone surface.

What is this conical pan?

September 10, 2020

A reader sent me these photos and I’m mystified. Can you help?

Casserole with a long handle and visible rivets, marked “J. Jacquotot Paris” on the side, showing wear, on a table.

Mystery: Jacquotot-Allez Frères?

July 4, 2020

What’s going on with this overstamp?

Close-up of a maker's stamp on copper cookware reading F. Ekhart in Wien, set against a slightly tarnished surface.

Solved: Who or what was F. Ekhart in Vienna?

January 9, 2020

An update: Reader Arndt has helped me figure this out.

Close-up of a copper pan's rim showing stamps Gaillard Paris and Villedieu France, with visible interior lining and riveted handle.

Help needed!

November 27, 2019

I came across a stamp combination that has me flummoxed. Take a look.

Close-up of a copper pan's loop handle with visible rivets and patina, attached to the side of the pan.

Calling all copper detectives…

November 6, 2019

Do you know which French maker used these distinctive brass handles?

All about brass handles

The mystery of wrinkled brass handles (solved!)

January 21, 2019

I’ve seen something odd on the brass handles of some of my copper pots.