Historical information

T. & C. Clark & Company Limited was based at Shakespeare Foundry in Wolverhampton England and was founded in 1795 by Thomas and Charles Clark. The company grew to be one of the largest iron foundries in Wolverhampton and were pioneering in the manufacture of enamelled cast iron cookware and sanitary wares. The company's product range included thousands of items, both domestic and industrial. T. & C. Clark were pioneers in the use of enamelled cast ironware, after taking out a patent in 1839 guaranteeing their products to be free of lead or arsenic. The company became the largest employer in Wolverhampton employing between 600 to 700 people.

Significance

The item is significant as it was used as a domestic kitchen item to cook food safely without the concern that the metal interior may contain lead or arsenic as earlier cooking utensils had.

Physical description

Pressure cooker, cast iron , pressure vent on top. Removable lid held down by 3 riveted heart shaped clips where they join the base. Metal drop down carry handle.

Inscriptions & markings

T & C Clarke and Co. on base & size 2 1/2 gallon