Vintage Middle Eastern Brass Dallah Coffee Pot
Decorative Vessel / Dallah Coffee Pot · Yellow Brass (Likely 60-70% copper, 30-40% zinc alloy mimicking yellow gold tones).
Purity: Non-gold; simulated gold appearance. Content is likely a copper-zinc alloy (brass). No precious metal content detected.
Type
Decorative Vessel / Dallah Coffee Pot
Purity
Non-gold; simulated gold appearance. Content is likely a copper-zinc alloy (brass). No precious metal content detected.
Gold Type
Yellow Brass (Likely 60-70% copper, 30-40% zinc alloy mimicking yellow gold tones).
Weight
350-500 grams (Estimated based on solid brass cast construction and volume).
Description
This is a miniature decorative Dallah, a traditional Arabic coffee pot. While it possesses a gold-like hue, it is crafted from utilitarian brass. The vessel features a bulbous body, a slender 'swan-neck' spout, and a characteristic tall finial on the hinged lid. The surface is adorned with various hand-tooled chase work and engravings common in regional metalwork.
Key Features
Bird-like spout tip, high-domed lid with pointed finial, and hand-etched 'brick' and 'sunburst' geometric patterns.
Color & Finish
Dull mustard yellow with greenish-brown oxidation (verdigris). Features a matte, hand-chiseled surface with visible aging and heavy patina.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No official gold purity stamps visible. Small, crude hand-stamped geometric patterns on the body and lid. No maker's mark or assay marks typical of precious metals.
Dimensions Estimate
Approx. 6-7 inches (15-18 cm) in height; 4 inches (10 cm) width including spout and handle.
Gemstones & Inlays
None; features hand-etched horizontal banding and vertical fluting on the body.
Clasp & Closure
Hinged lid with a vertical finial; the hinge shows a crude pin-and-barrel construction attached to the handle.
Chain & Links
Not applicable; cast handle features decorative scrollwork and ergonomic grips.
Craftsmanship Details
Sand-cast body with hand-finished engraving. The spout and handle are soldered to the body with visible, slightly irregular joints. The engraving is folk-style—charming but lacking the precision of high-end jewelry.
Authentication Indicators
Red Flags for gold: Noticeable green tarnish (verdigris) near the spout join; irregular, shallow hand-engraving that exposes no color change; weight-to-volume ratio inconsistent with high-density gold; lack of 18K/21K/22K hallmarks traditionally found on regional gold items.
Origin & Maker
Middle Eastern or North African (potentially Egyptian or Moroccan). Likely artisanal workshop production for the export or souvenir market.
Era & Period
Modern Folk Art / Mid-20th Century Tourist Ware (Circa 1950-1980).
Age Estimate
Late 20th Century (40-60 years old based on wear types and tool marks).
Cultural Significance
Represents the Bedouin tradition of coffee preparation (Gahwa); often featured on the currencies of the UAE and Qatar as a symbol of cultural identity.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Significant surface oxidation, deep scratches, and accumulation of oils/dirt in the crevices. The metal shows characteristic 'brassy' wear rather than gold luster. Structural integrity remains intact.
Value Estimate
$20 - $50 USD. Value is exclusively decorative/antique; the melt value of brass is negligible (pennies per pound) compared to gold.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild brass polish or a mixture of lemon and baking soda to restore shine. Avoid harsh chemicals. Not recommended for food use unless verified lead-free.
Similar Items
Copper Syrian Dallahs (often tinned), Silver-plated Moroccan teapots, and solid 21K gold miniature charms (which would be much smaller and hallmarked).
Interesting Facts
The Dallah is a powerful symbol of hospitality in the Arab world. While some elite versions are made of solid gold for royalty, the vast majority are made of brass or copper to withstand the heat of charcoal.