Aussiedistiller, Home Distilling, Moonshine, Home Brew

Hi Guys

I happened to score some vintaged ceramic demijohns a 1 gallon and a 5 gallon. (free)

A while ago I remember reading a post on ??? some distilling forum, a post about some vintage glaze may contain lead..

any ideas ??





Outside is unsealed, spout and inside glazed ( few chips in top- reason they were being disposed of)

Yeah, some glazes did contain lead. There's no specific way to tell on old gear either short of sending it away for testing. Bright/decorative glazes were the most common culprits.......and anything from China is still questionable. I bought some tea pots/cups when I was in Foshan this year (as they are famous for their ceramics) with the intention of using some of it.......now I'm erring on the side of caution.

I believe the majority of glazes used in Aust were sugar glaze - lead free

the jugs have absolutely no markings and could have come from anywhere.

The guy I got them off said his grandad used them for water storage, interesting enough he died of lead poisoning ------ shooting accident

until I can be sure I suppose they will gather dust

Does the lip on the smaller one have an impression on it?

Close up. Top of small jug

Top is flat and then tapers to body

I'd be a bit cautious using these,alot of these big old demijohns held some pretty wicked chemicals mate.poisen,acid etc.

The story I got was that they were used for drinking water storage originally ( neighbours grandfather )and have been used as decretive vases for last 35 years in neighbours lounge room

You can buy cheap lead test kits off eBay, I would get one and give the inside lip a scuff and see what it says :handgestures-thumbupleft: