The blacksmith's guild in Olpe, to which the boiler and ladle smiths ("Olper Panneklöpper or Olper Pannenklöpper") belonged, was established in 1567. In 1669 followed the establishment of the broad smithy office of the courts of Olpe, Drolshagen and Wenden.
The blacksmith's trade, especially the manufacture of pans, brought the region and the Sauerland merchants prestige and prosperity for several centuries and the Olpers the nickname Pannenklöpper. Since the 19th century, more modern professions displaced the ancient craft.
To symbolize the former importance of the blacksmith for the region, the city of Olpe had the Pannenklöpper monument erected on the market square in 1982. The monument was designed by the Düsseldorf artist Karl-Heinz Klein. Three bronze plates underline the importance of the blacksmith's office at that time.
Robert Heer was the "last Olper Pannenklöpper." He revived the old craft in the 1980s and 90s, although he no longer made iron pans but copper ones. In 2008, the skilled coppersmith passed away at the age of almost 81. His death marked the end of an important tradition in the district town.