Most Eighteenth-century copper stills were of this pattern which was used as late as 1835. Evidently it was an efficient device for it was practically unchanged over a long period of time. Some of these stills were marked by their makers. Still in possession of Bucks County Historical Society.
Provenance
Photographs from the estate of Henry Kauffman. Photograph taken by H.Kauffman.
Top part of copper still made by Francis Sanderson of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and Baltimore, Maryland. This one is very unusual for it is joined by cramped joints instead of the common method of joining the various parts with rivets. Courtesy of Colonial Williamsburg.
Provenance
Photographs from the estate of Henry Kauffman. Colonial Williamsburg Phtograph. This picture may be syndicated or copied for publication. Not to be used for advertising without permission.
A small liquor still used on the premises of a plantation in the south. The object is made of two parts which are held together with rivets. The spiral condensing part was made of pewter or tin.
Water color rendering of a still submitted to the United States Patent Office by J. Weitzel in 1834. The alcohol should have been very tasty after it passed through all the pipes and coils. Courtesy of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Illgenfritz. A little note on the side says "shouldn't have "tasted" at all!"