Because Pennsylvania was a plentiful source of iron, the Pennsylvania Germans used iron and tin for many of their household kitchen objects. Tinware worked well for kitchen objects because of its resistance to tarnish and corrosion. This tin-sheeted iron could be made into coffee pots, molds, fat lamps, sconces, and small boxes. Though most tinware objects were made to be used, they still show varying amounts of decoration on the surface. One popular decorative style for tinware was to paint the surface with brightly colored oil paint or enamel. This “toleware” as it is known, often has a black (as in this example), green, or red background with brightly painted floral or leafy elements.
