The crucibles (aka. planters/ pots) came from the Wheeler family foundry which my dad had until the 1990’s.
They were used to melt brass and bronze. Crucibles were poured by hand and weighed hundreds of pounds. They made plaques and many other items. My dad also made bronze horseshoes for President Bush.
Metal was poured inside the crucibles and heated to 2,400 degrees. Furnaces were in the ground. Metal was put in crucible, the put in the furnace. More metal added. A Amul crane was used to pour the metal into molds.
When my mom moved we took as many as we could from the house I grew up in. Thanks to my husband for helping move these to our home as they weigh hundreds of pounds.
A piece of the foundry will always be with us.
Upstate Vintage Living 