Artis Metals Company

A Piece of Northwest Hardware History

This is an authentic Artis Vacuum Cap, made by the Artis Metals Company of Boise, Idaho. Artis caps were common on stovepipes, water heater vents, and flue pipes throughout the western United States. The original box lists Patent No. 2191948, which places the design in the pre-war era.

How It Works

The cap’s fan-shaped, overlapping hoods are its signature feature:

• Blocks rain and snow from entering the pipe
• Reduces downdrafts by turning wind into upward draw (the “vacuum” effect)
• Vents from multiple sides, so it works no matter which direction the wind blows

Specifications

• Brand: Artis Metals Company, Boise, Idaho
• Model: Artis Vacuum Cap No. 6
• Catalog Number: 0624
• Patent Number: 2191948
• Material: Galvanized steel
• Size: No. 6 (fits a 6-inch pipe; please confirm the fit before installing)
• Construction: Riveted hood assembly with a crimped pipe collar
• Includes: Original printed cardboard box marked “DO NOT CRUSH”

Condition

• Galvanized “spangle” finish with a natural blue-gray patina
• Surface scuffs and light wear consistent with its age
• Rivets are intact and the hoods are firmly attached
• Box shows age-related wear
• Please review all photos, which are part of the description

Great For

• Replacing a cap on a wood stove, water heater, or vent pipe
• Collectors of vintage hardware and Idaho manufacturing history
• Industrial, farmhouse, or rustic décor, such as garden art, a planter accent, or a shelf piece
• Restoration projects where period-correct hardware matters