De Klerk South Africa Copper jug

Please view photos of the dents on the jug.

Height 340mm

Base diam 300mm

AI Mode

Dr Klerk South Africa antique copper harvest jug, also frequently referred to as a "haystack" jug due to its distinctive tapered shape. 

Purpose: These vessels were traditionally used to transport ale or water to farm workers in the fields.

They also served as large-capacity liquid measures, often in quantities like one or two imperial gallons.

Era: 20th Century.

Construction: They are typically handmade from copper, featuring a wide, heavy base for stability and a curved loop handle.

Historical Use: Beyond agricultural use, these pitchers were sometimes utilized for personal washing in the early 19th century. 

• Manufacturer: These items were crafted by Cecil de Klerk, known as South Africa's "last coppersmith," who was active in Doornfontein, Johannesburg.
• Era: The jugs and other copper items were very fashionable in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s, though some may date to the early 1900s.
• Craftsmanship: Pieces are made from high-quality, heavy-gauge copper, often sourced from old geysers in early Johannesburg houses. They typically feature a distinctive hand-hammered texture and are stamped with the "DE KLERK" trademark on the base.
• Collectibility: De Klerk items are considered collectible pieces of South African heritage, often used for rustic or vintage-themed decorative purposes