In early America, as in England, the coffee-house provided a communication center for news and information. Runners were sent round to the coffee-house to report major events of the day and the newsletters and gazettes of the day were distributed chiefly in the coffee-houses. Most of the establishments functioned as reading rooms, since the cost of newspapers and pamphlets was included in the admission charge. Bulletins announcing sales, sailings, and auctions covered the walls of the establishments, providing valuable information to the businessman who conducted much of his business from a table at his favorite coffee-house.
Coffee was usually boiled in a separate pot over the fire (1 to 3 minutes). When it was done, it was decanted to a coffee pot. This separated the coffee from the grounds and kept from "stewing" the grounds, which turns the coffee bitter. These pots would often have side mounted handles so that both the handle of the pot and the solder joints of the spout could be kept away from the flame at the same time. From Colonial times to the mid-19th Century these side handle pots were common.
These beautiful pots are completely tin lined. I've had them made a little larger than most of the originals to accommodate modern portion sizes. These hold a little better than eight cups. Serve your coffee in style! While inventory lasts, Tin lined side handle coffee pot...... $160.00 + S&H
These belt hook handled cups are modeled after an original tin cup from
Missouri in the 1820s. Manuel Lisa posed for a
painting with what appears to be a similar cup hooked over his sash.
These sturdy reproductions are tin lined and hold about 8 ounces.
Copper prices keep rising, but while inventory lasts, Tin-lined Belt hook handled copper cup ...... $28.00 + S&H