Collecting Vintage Watering Cans

American-Style Watering Cans

This typical American-style watering can has two handles, one for carrying and one for pouring. American watering cans are made in the English style and often have a generous spout and a rose the size of a doorknob that screws on and off. This galvanized steel watering can says "Cream City" on the side, a name that was once applied to Milwaukee.

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British Haws Watering Can

The Haws watering can—a tall vessel with two handles, a long spout, and a distinctive brass rose that gently waters—was patented in 1886 and remains a classic. Haws watering cans were designed with long spouts to reach plants at the back of nursery and conservatory shelves. These cans also have high collars around the top to keep water from sloshing out. Fine old Haws watering cans with their polished-brass roses and hawthorn-leaf medallions sell for about $150.

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French-Style Watering Cans

This antique French watering can, which has more of a round than an oval shape, is made of painted galvanized steel.

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Child-Size Watering Cans

An antique child-size watering can with a shiny brass rose delivers an enchanting spray of water.

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Manufacturers Mark

Some vintage watering cans will carry the manufacturer's mark. The shiny brass Haws logo is a hawthorn leaf and berries.

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The Rose

A rose is the cap-like end of the spout which has small holes to disperse water. The rose is often detachable, like this No. 2 rose which fits on standard metal Haws cans.

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Watering Can Wall Display

Hang a collection of watering cans close together to make a big impact on the wall of a shed or garage and form the stunning backdrop for a garden border.

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Watering Can Art

Packed tightly together, a collection of mundane vintage items such as salvaged watering cans becomes a work of art. It helps if the watering cans leak from the bottom to prevent stagnant water.

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Art with a Watering Theme

This collection of aged watering cans festively hangs on a garland of braided garden hoses.

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Fence Décor

Simply hang on a fence for double-duty storage and decoration.

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Damaged Watering Cans

If a watering can does not sit flat or has a convex bottom, that usually indicates it has been left outdoors, full of water, in freezing weather. You can hammer the bottom carefully to make it flat again, but the damage might have been done: Freezing sometimes splits the seams around the base, and your watering can might no longer hold water. A bead of waterproof silicone caulk around the inside edge might solve the problem. The unusual design of this big green watering can, with its broad hooded top, delivers a drenching spray and helps prevent spills.

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