Warming pan or bedwarmer
England, Europe, or United States
1790-1850
Measurements
3-1/2 in x 43-1/8 in x 11-1/4 in (dia)
Materials
Brass, copper (rivets), iron (wire), and walnut (handle)
Credit Line
Historic Odessa Foundation, The David Wilson Mansion, Inc.
Accession Number
1971.944
Condition Notes
The tip of the handle has split away along the grain. The handle has other splits along the grain. The rivets securing the lid appear to be replacements.
Provenance
Ex coll. Mrs. E. Tatnall (Mary Corbit) Warner
Comments
The warming pan or bedwarmer is a lidded pan attached to a long, turned wood handle. The pan has a narrow rim around the outside that supports a hinged lid. Both the lid and the pan have edges rolled over iron wires or cores. The lid on this warming pan is engraved with foliate scrolls and a bird in the center. A ring to lift the lid is attached to the side opposite the hinge. The brass socket for the turned handle attaches with copper rivets.
Bedwarmers were not particularly common in American households, although antique collectors have long been attracted to them.
