Cast iron sugar kettle with original bail handle manufactured by D.R. Sperry & Co. of Batavia, Illinois. This 19th century heavy-duty vessel features a three-leg tripod design, substantial cast iron construction, and period-appropriate foundry details.
Cast iron construction with traditional three-leg tripod base designed for outdoor or hearth cooking. The exterior shows maker's marks identifying it as a D.R. Sperry & Co. product from Batavia, Illinois, based on catalog comparison. Confirmed as a No. 6 size with 25½ gallon capacity according to period catalogs. Original swing bail handle remains intact with functional attachment points.
The kettle exhibits classic late 19th century American industrial craftsmanship with rounded sides, clean rim edge, and sturdy tripod legs for stability over open flames. These kettles were marketed as "Sugar or Wash Kettles" and were multi-purpose vessels used for rendering lard, making soap, boiling laundry, processing sugar, and various farm and household tasks.
Condition Notes:
Surface shows expected patina and oxidation consistent with age and use. No significant cracks or structural damage present. Expected minor surface irregularities and wear consistent with functional use. Some areas show natural rust formation on exterior. The bail handle functions as designed with appropriate movement range. Interior retains usable cooking surface. Refer to the pictures and in person inspection for condition.
Approximate Dimensions:
16 × 26 × 26 inches
Join us for the 14th Annual Montana Spring Auction featuring an exceptional collection of rare coins, antiques, tools, equipment, and household items. This prestigious event has become a highlight for collectors, investors, and enthusiasts throughout the Northwest.
FEATURED HIGHLIGHTS:
COINS & CURRENCY:
- Exceptional collection of Morgan Silver Dollars
- Walking Liberty half dollars
- Buffalo nickels and Mercury dimes
- Key date pennies and rare commemoratives
- Complete sets and partial collections
ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES:
- Vintage advertising signs and memorabilia
- Quality antique furniture pieces
- Vintage glassware and china
- Cast iron collectibles
- Estate jewelry and watches
ADDITIONAL CATEGORIES:
- Tools & Shop Equipment
- Lawn & Garden Equipment
- Restaurant Equipment
- Household Furniture
- Outdoor & Recreational Items
Don't miss this opportunity to add to your collection or find treasures at auction prices!
IMPORTANT: Your acceptance of these terms is your promise to read and abide By the Condition of Sale as Printed below.
While Auctioneer has endeavored to advertise and describe the property correctly, all property is sold "as is," and neither Auctioneer nor consignor will be responsible for the description, authenticity, genuineness, provenance, or condition of the property. No statement contained in the advertisement, catalog or made orally at the sale or elsewhere shall be deemed to be such warranty or representative or an assumption of liability. All buyers should physically inspect the item prior to placing any bids. No bids can be withdrawn for any reason. The highest bidder acknowledged by the auctioneer shall be the purchaser. In the event of any dispute between bidders, the auctioneers shall have absolute discretion to either determine the successful bidder, in which event his determination shall be final, or to re-offer and resell the article in dispute. If any dispute arises after the sale, Auctioneer's sale record shall be conclusive as to who was the purchaser, the amount to the highest bid, and in all other respects. If the auctioneer, in his sole and final discretion, decides that any original bid, that any advance thereafter is not sufficient amount, he may reject the same. While most items in the auction will be sold without reserve, the auctioneer withholds the right to bid in behalf of each consignor for the purpose of protecting reserves, that is, placed bids during the auction if and when the highest bid is less than the reserve on the lot being offered. No properties purchased during auction may be removed until paid in full and must be removed on sale day or during the time frame of scheduled pickup times, unless special arrangements have been made prior to placing bids. Auctioneer will not be responsible for lost or damaged merchandise and no refunds will be made if lost or damaged. Unpaid invoices past the scheduled pick up days will be automatically settled with credit card on file. Items left past scheduled pickup days will be considered abandoned and become the property of National Auction. No refunds for abandoned items.
LOT DESCRIPTIONS & CONDITION:
National Auction offers lot descriptions and condition details as a courtesy to bidders. They are intended to be accurate but represent opinions only, not statements of fact, and do not imply any warranty concerning condition, or any assumption of liability. Lot announcements, listings, photographs, and catalog information are for descriptive purposes only. Plan to inspect the items in person before bidding. It is the buyer's sole responsibility to ascertain, confirm, research, inspect and investigate condition prior to bidding. A physical inspection is encouraged and suggested. Buyers must rely solely upon their own investigation and not any information provided by the Seller or Auctioneer. All items sold as-is where-is with no warranties expressed or implied. Let your inspection be your guide. Failure of a buyer to be fully informed on the condition of an item will not constitute grounds for any claim adjustment or right to cancel sale.
PAYMENT:
All bidding increments and payments will be in US Dollars (USD). Cash, credit card, Wire Transfer ($10 Fee), or we will accept your personal or Company check accompanied by a current driver's license. All purchases must be paid for the day of the auction or within the time frame of pickup days. (Pick Up Days Can Be Found Under The Auction Details Tab In The Catalog)
*All gold jewelry and gold/silver coins must be paid for using either cash or wire transfer. Credit cards or checks will not be accepted.
BUYER PREMIUM:
15.5% Buyer Premium 3.5% Discount when paying cash or check.
BIDDER REGISTRATION:
You must be 18 years of age or older to register and bid. During the registration process, you must submit information found to be current, complete, and accurate for proper identification. You acknowledge that it is your responsibility to continually maintain current and accurate account information. All bids are final and cannot be retracted or removed.
RETURNS:
All sales are final. There are no returns, refunds, credit card charge-backs or adjustments.
NO SHOW BIDDERS & NON PICKED UP ITEMS
Any open invoices after the scheduled pick-up days the card on file will be charged. Items left past scheduled pickup days will be considered abandoned and become the property of National Auction. No refunds for abandoned items.
NON PAYING BIDDERS:
Non-paying bidders or fraudulent bidding will be subject to legal recourse and possible criminal charges including any fraud and/or interstate commerce violations. Non paying or fraudulent bidders will result in your bidding account being suspended.
LOT GROUPINGS:
Some lots/items may be grouped. Winning bidder is responsible for removing the entire lot. Failure of the buyer to remove the entire lot will result in bidding account being suspended.
POSESSION:
Merchandise becomes the FULL RESPONSIBILITY of the buyer at the close of the auction and the buyer assumes all risk of loss and damage to property at that time. In any such event, the bidder will be responsible for payment for the original purchase and the costs of collection of this payment and/or damages resulting from the resale of the property.
PICKUP INFORMATION:
Pick up days are listed under the Auction Details Tab in the Catalog. National Auction will facilitate check out/pickup. We will bring your items to the checkout table or door. Buyer is responsible for loading their own items. Buyer must make sure they have all their items before leaving the checkout tables or door. No refunds for missing or lost items.
LIABILITY:
Preview, bid, and pickup lot purchases at your own risk. National Auction nor any of its officers, employees, independent contractors, or clients, are responsible for injury or damage of any kind, to anything or anyone, while previewing, bidding, picking up purchases, or conducting business. You agree to hold National Auction and its agents harmless regardless of opinion and condition of property location.
PRIVACY:
We respect your privacy and that of our clients, both buyers and sellers. We will not release your information to anyone without your permission.
When you interact with our website, we collect certain data including but not limited to:
Personal information (name, email address, phone number, mailing address)
Browsing behavior and activity
Device information (type of device, browser, IP address)
Location data
Preferences and auction interests
Transaction and bidding history
By browsing or interacting with our website in any way, you give National Auction permission to collect, store, and use this information as described in these terms.
This information is used to improve your experience, customize content, and process transactions. Additionally, we share certain data with third-party marketing services, including Facebook and other social media platforms, to deliver targeted advertisements and promotional content related to auctions and items that may interest you.
You agree to give National Auction permission to email you promotional materials for future auction events. You can change this preference at any time by contacting us or updating your account settings.
SHIPPING:
-In house shipping by Shipping Saint
-Buyer pays all shipping, duties, packaging materials, labor & handling. (Labor is $65.00 Per Hour)
-National Auction is not responsible for any damage in the shipping process for any reason
-We typically get shipping done within the week of the auction, but shipping can take up to 2 weeks from time of payment
-Shipping Invoices over $500 will require a wire transfer. $10 wire transfer fee
-If you are purchasing a firearm that requires a background check and shipping the firearm must be shipped to a FFL dealer.
-Handguns must be shipped 2 day : handling fee of $10 per box plus packaging materials and shipping charges
-Long guns can be shipped ground : handling fee of $15 per box plus packaging materials and shipping charges
-No Shipping of firearms or ammo to CA, IL, NY or DC
-Loose Ammo No Shipping. Ammo must have factory package.
Large Items / Freight Items:
Freight Responsibility: Buyers are responsible for arranging their own freight shipping.
Palletization Services: We are happy to palletize items for shipment at a rate of $65 per hour for labor, plus the cost of materials, with a $150 minimum charge.
Storage: Once an item has been palletized, we can hold it for up to 2 weeks to allow the buyer time to arrange freight pickup.
Payment Terms: All freight or third-party shipping arrangements must be paid via wire transfer. Credit cards will not be accepted for these transactions. For any questions or to coordinate palletization, please contact us directly. 406-259-4730
FIREARMS and MAGAZINES:
-Any Firearms manufactured after 1899 will require an FFL background Check. Background check will be ran at our office during pick up times.
-Handguns can only be picked up by Montana residents 21 years of age and must be original purchaser that bid on the firearm. Out of state must have a handgun shipped to FFL.
-If you are denied on a background check there will be a 15% service charge of the hammer price.
-Know your state laws. National Auction will not ship to any state with magazine restrictions.
Auction Removal Information – Please Read Carefully
All item removal is by appointment only. After the auction closes and you receive your invoice, you’ll see a “Schedule Pickup” button—please use it to select your pickup time.
📍 Pickup Location: 3625 S 56th St West, Billings, MT
🗓 Available Pickup Days:
• Sunday, May 11th | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Monday, May 12th | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Tuesday, May 13th | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
⚠️ Important:
Any items left beyond the scheduled pickup days will be considered abandoned. The card on file will be charged, and no refunds will be issued.
💳 Payment Information:
All bidding increments and payments are in U.S. Dollars (USD).
Accepted payment methods:
• Cash
• Credit Card
• Wire Transfer ($10 fee applies)
• Personal or company check with valid driver’s license
(Checks must be pre-approved before bidding to be accepted for gold or coin purchases.)
All purchases must be paid for the day of the auction or during your scheduled pickup time.
💰 Buyer’s Premium:
A 15.5% buyer’s premium will be added to all purchases.
A 3.5% discount will be applied for payments made by cash or check.
🔒 Important Note for Gold Jewelry and Coins:
All gold jewelry and all gold/silver coins must be paid for with either cash or wire transfer.
Credit cards and checks will not be accepted for these items unless the check has been pre-approved before bidding.
🚗 Loading Info:
We will bring your items to the designated checkout area. However, you are responsible for loading your items into your vehicle. Please bring help if needed.
✅ Final Reminder:
Before leaving the checkout area, double-check that you have all your items.
No refunds or replacements will be issued for missing items once you leave the premises.
📦 Shipping Information:
If you will need shipping, please email us with your name and invoice number requesting shipping. We will charge the card you have on file (unless noted below), and you will receive shipping updates via Shipping Saint.
SHIPPING:
In-house shipping managed by Shipping Saint
Buyer pays all shipping, duties, packaging materials, labor & handling
(Labor is $65.00 per hour...billed per min.)
National Auction is not responsible for damage during shipping for any reason
We typically ship within one week of the auction, but shipping may take up to 2 weeks after payment
Shipping invoices over $500 must be paid via wire transfer ($10 wire transfer fee)
🔔 Gold jewelry and gold/silver coins must be paid by wire transfer for shipping. NO credit cards accepted.
Firearms shipping:
Must ship to an FFL dealer
Handguns: 2-day shipping only; $10 handling fee per box plus materials and shipping charges
Long guns: Ground shipping allowed; $15 handling fee per box plus materials and shipping charges
No firearm or ammo shipping to CA, IL, NY, or DC
Loose ammo will not be shipped. Ammo must be in factory packaging
LARGE ITEMS / FREIGHT ITEMS:
Freight is buyer’s responsibility – you must arrange shipping
Palletization available: $65/hr labor + materials ($150 minimum)
Once palletized, we can hold items up to 2 weeks for freight pickup
Freight/palletization must be paid by wire transfer – credit cards not accepted for freight
Questions or to schedule palletization: Call 406-259-4730
🔫 FIREARMS & MAGAZINES:
Any firearm made after 1899 requires a background check
Background checks run at our office during pickup
Handguns may only be picked up by Montana residents 21+ and must be the original winning bidder
Out-of-state handgun purchases must be shipped to an FFL dealer
Denied background checks will incur a 15% service fee on the hammer price
Know your state laws: We will not ship to states with magazine restrictions
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at 406-259-4730.
Thank you for bidding with National Auction!
