Dylan Edwards Aug 30, 2009:

blocks? δέματα - bales? κουτούκια - blocks? These seem to be relevant words in the context of scrap tin.
Two dictionaries indicate a possible meaning "block" for κουτούκι (though with reference to wood and stone).

Ellen Kraus Aug 29, 2009:

Ivi´s suggestion is interesting indeed, nonetheless I would like to point out that the essential feature of the word faggot is "bundle" e.g. a bundle of twigs. If the corresponding verb is used, i.e. to fagot, the meaning is "to package" (συσκευάζω), fagotted iron thus means packaged iron (or iron in parcels). the same applies to fagotted scrap (packaged scrap) but there is no reference to the material mentioned in the source text, i.e. tinplate (λευκοσίδηρος).for any eventuality: here are the main options for translating the term faggot (fagot). (rare in US) A burning or smouldering piece of firewood.
(British only) A bundle of sticks or twigs tied together.
(British only) A meatball made from pork.
(pejorative, US, slang) A male homosexual.
(obsolete, US) The cast off end of a smoked cigarette. In other terms: its use as metal is very seldom, but of course this does not rule out the possibility that it is applicable here.