Copper #1 is the next grade below bright and shiny. It includes clean copper pipe, tube, and solid copper pieces that are free of solder, paint, and heavy oxidation — but may have minor patina, light tarnish, or small amounts of brazing. The key difference from bright and shiny is that #1 allows slightly more surface wear and includes pipe forms, not just wire. Copper #1 is still a high-value grade and commands strong prices, making it well worth separating from lower grades. At endless metals, our team grades copper on arrival — if you’ve kept your clean pipe and tube separate from soldered or painted copper, you’ll receive the #1 rate.