We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. When most folks think about valuable copper treasures, vintage pots and pans usually pop into their heads first. And honestly, those classic copper cookware pieces have earned their reputation for being beautifully made, super durable, and totally timeless. But here’s the thing – gardeners are out there hunting for a totally different kind of copper gem when they’re hitting up thrift stores: antique watering cans. Just like those beloved vintage pots and pans, old watering cans were made to last, crafted with quality materials that could stand the test of time. What makes copper versions especially cool is the way the metal ages, developing this gorgeous, rich patina over the years that gives each piece its own one-of-a-kind look you just can’t fake with today’s finishes. Before plastic tools took over the gardening world, copper and brass watering cans – sometimes called watering pots – were everyday items you’d find in gardens, greenhouses, and sunrooms everywhere. Lots of them were handmade, with beautiful touches like hammered textures, long spouts, and fancy handles. Fast forward to today, and those same details have turned these simple old garden tools into seriously coveted treasures. With cottage gardening, quirky outdoor style, and thoughtfully designed backyards becoming super trendy, antique watering cans are getting a whole new life as both practical tools and adorable decorative pieces. That said, buying them fresh can get pricey – a new one might run you about $66. The value depends on size, how good it looks, and those special decorative features. If a watering can’s pretty beat up with missing parts, you might snag it for around $10 – still works great as decor though. On the flip side, a well-kept copper can with the original rose spout? You’re looking at spending well over $100.
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What to keep an eye out for when you’re hunting down vintage copper watering cans at thrift shops
Like we said, not every copper watering can is a hidden treasure. There are definitely a few things to watch for. Serious collectors are on the hunt for quality copper pieces with maker’s marks you can actually identify and original parts still intact. If you’re not totally sure whether something’s genuinely old or antique, learn to spot handmade features – stuff like hammered textures, soldered seams, and those little quirks that actually make a copper watering can even more special.
One brand name that collectors get really excited about is Haws, a British company famous for creating one of the most iconic watering can designs out there. The Haws watering can came out in 1886 and was seriously built for people who took their gardening seriously. It’s got a tall body, two handles, and an impressively long spout perfect for reaching plants sitting on greenhouse and sunroom shelves. Here’s the really cool part – Haws cans have this signature brass rose at the end of the spout that sprays out water super gently, just right for even the most finicky plants. And guess what? They’re still making them today.
You can spot what makes Haws cans special by looking for specific details that set them apart from regular watering cans, like a raised lip around the opening that stops spills. Another giveaway that you’ve found a genuine Haws is the logo – it shows a hawthorn leaf and berries. If you find an older Haws can that’s been well cared for and still has all its original features, you could be looking at $75 to over $150, which changes that simple old gardening tool into a seriously valuable collectible. For lots of people, the charm goes way beyond the price. Since they’re waterproof, these work great as a planter or even a hanging display.
