Bed warmer or warming pan
England, possibly London
1730-1770
Measurements
44-3/4 in x 11-3/4 in (dia) x 5 in
Materials
Brass, iron (handle, frame), copper (rivets)
Credit Line
Historic Odessa Foundation, gift of H. Rodney Sharp
Accession Number
1959.3630
Condition Notes
The overhanging lid is bent inward slightly opposite the handle. The inside of the pan is blackened.
Provenance
Ex coll. H. Rodney Sharp
Comments
At first glance, this warming pan looks similar to two others in this collection, accession nos. 1959.3836 and 1971.917. They all have long iron strap handles that end with a knop and a narrow tang that folds around to form a hanging loop. At the opposite end, they are rivet to a brass pan for hot embers. A domed and decorated lid, attached with a three-part hinge, has piercings in it to allow heat and smoke to escape. Its outer edge hangs over the pan and ends with an edge rolled over a wire core. However, the lid has seven, rather than six repeats of cones and clusters, most of which are created by punchwork rather than engraving. The central motif is composed of 19 lines that fan outward from the center point. The laying out of this work is altogether different from that of the other pans, suggesting its manufacture by another concern.
