19th Century English Bed Warmer

Early 19th century English bed warmer. Made in England circa 1830, the piece is dressed with a hickory handle, and features a copper vessel with brass lid at the end; the top with bird and leaf motifs In the 18th and 19th centuries, to be able to endure the brutal winters, hot coals would be placed into a bed warmer’s receptacle, and the bed warmer would the be placed under the covers to warm the bed before entering. Copper was the preferred metal, as it is an excellent heat conductor. The handle was almost always wooden, allowing the bassinoire to be held safely.