Haws Patent Steel Watering Can — Long Spout, Brass Nozzle, English

A long-reach indoor watering can by Haws, the English horticultural maker founded in 1886 and recognized as the world's oldest watering can manufacturer. The design here is purpose-built for greenhouse and high-shelf watering — a long triangulated steel spout with a cast brass spear-oval nozzle delivering a direct, controlled stream without disturbing adjacent plants. The embossed brass medallion on the shoulder reads HAWS PATENT / TALA WORKS, STOURBRIDGE, ENG., placing production squarely within the company's documented mid-century period at their West Midlands facility.

That "Tala Works" mark is the key provenance detail. When the Bishops Stortford factory closed in 1953, Haws was absorbed into the Tala Division of the Metal Box Company and production moved entirely to Stourbridge, where it remained until 1976. A can bearing this address is traceable to a defined 23-year window — exactly the kind of documented maker's history that drives collector interest in British horticultural antiques.

CONDITION

Good. Structurally intact throughout with no splits or deformation to the body, spout, or support strut. Minor dents and dings are present and consistent with age and use. Finish wear and paint loss are distributed throughout — scattered chipping and abrasion expose the underlying steel at multiple points, with heavier loss near the base. The brass nozzle and embossed medallion are both intact and legible.

DIMENSIONS / SPECIFICATIONS

• Overall: 10" H × 8" W × 34" L
• Material: Painted steel body; cast brass nozzle
• Maker: Haws Patent — Tala Works, Stourbridge, England
• Production Period: 1953–1976 (Tala Division / Metal Box Company era)
• Spout Type: Long-reach indoor/greenhouse configuration
• Nozzle: Brass, spear-oval form; no rose present

Soup Can shown in Photo for Scale