Mid-20th Century Egyptian Duralumin/Aluminum Cookware Pot
Hollowware / Kitchenware (Cooking Pot) · Egyptian General Organization for Manufacturing (commonly associated with domestic aluminum production in the mid-20th century under Egyptian industrialization efforts). The mark includes Arabic script and a numerical designation.
Pattern: Standard Industrial Domestic Utility Line; no specific decorative pattern name.
Type
Hollowware / Kitchenware (Cooking Pot)
Maker
Egyptian General Organization for Manufacturing (commonly associated with domestic aluminum production in the mid-20th century under Egyptian industrialization efforts). The mark includes Arabic script and a numerical designation.
Material
Aluminum / Duralumin alloy (contains zero silver content). Base metal is lightweight aluminum with an insulating handle material (likely Bakelite or early plastic).
Dimensions
Estimated diameter: 18cm-22cm; height: 10cm-12cm. Weight is significantly lighter than silver, likely 400g-600g.
Description
This is a utilitarian Egyptian-made cooking vessel. While it may resemble tarnished silver or pewter to a novice, it is industrial-grade aluminum. The circular stamp on the base confirms its origin and function as a domestic kitchen item rather than a decorative luxury object. Its beauty lies in its industrial history and the role it played in Egyptian domestic life during the mid-20th century.
Key Features
Arabic language base stamp, lightweight aluminum construction, concentric spinning marks on the base, and a heat-resistant handle.
Material & Composition
Aluminum / Duralumin alloy (contains zero silver content). Base metal is lightweight aluminum with an insulating handle material (likely Bakelite or early plastic).
Finish & Decoration
Machine-brushed dull finish with heavy tool scouring and surface scratching from utility use. Utilitarian industrial style. No artistic decoration.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Arabic hallmarks stamped into the center base of the pot. Includes the Arabic word for 'Made in Egypt' (صنع في مصر), a circular logo containing the number '5', and the manufacturer acronym in Arabic script. These are industrial quality marks, not precious metal hallmarks.
Construction Details
Industrial machine-spun or die-stamped aluminum. The body is formed from a single sheet of metal with an applied rim and riveted or threaded handle attachment.
Functional Features
Flat bottom for heat distribution, rolled upper rim for structural rigidity, and a heat-resistant side handle.
Handle & Grip Details
Dark brown/black Bakelite or plastic handle, attached via a metal ferrule and likely secured with a screw or rivet. Shows signs of wear and heat exposure.
Craftsmanship Details
Mass-produced factory item. Tool marks and centered stamping indicate machine manufacture rather than hand-wrought craftsmanship.
Authentication Indicators
The Arabic text clearly translates to industrial manufacturing terms, not silver fineness marks. The color is a gray-white consistent with aluminum oxidation, lacking the warm luster of silver or the typical tarnish colors of .925 sterling.
Origin & Manufacturing
Egypt. Likely manufactured in a state-owned or large-scale private factory in Cairo or Alexandria using industrial presses.
Era & Period
Modern Era (Egypt's Industrialization Period, c. 1950s-1970s). Post-Revolutionary Egypt (Nasir Era) focus on self-sufficient manufacturing of household goods.
Age Estimate
Circa 1960-1975 based on the style of the stamp and the use of the number '5' (often referring to a specific grade of aluminum or factory line).
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Made in Egypt' movement of the mid-20th century which aimed to modernize Egyptian households with locally produced, affordable kitchenware.
Condition Notes
Fair/Good (Utility Grade). The surface shows heavy abrasive cleaning marks, oxidation spots consistent with aluminum, and significant scratching. Structural integrity remains sound.
Value Estimate
Minimal collector value; approximately $10 - $25 USD. Value is purely as a vintage kitchen item or a piece of industrial social history, not for metal content.
Care & Maintenance
Wash with warm soapy water. Avoid caustic cleaners which can pit aluminum. Use nylon scrubbers rather than steel wool to prevent further deep scratching to the soft metal.
Similar Pieces
Vintage Revere Ware (USA) or French copper/aluminum pots. The main difference is the specific Egyptian Arabic markings and the lighter alloy composition.
Interesting Facts
The number '5' inside the circle is a common Egyptian mark for household aluminum products from this era, identifying either the manufacturer or the size/volume category of the pot.