Lot 140: Antique Copper Bed Warmer with Turned Wood Handle
A traditional copper bed warmer featuring a circular hammered pan and a hinged, perforated lid. The lid is slightly domed and decorated with chased folk-style motifs, including a central stylized foliate or floral design. Small ventilation holes are pierced around the perimeter and integrated into the central decoration. The lid is attached to the pan by a substantial copper hinge secured with two visible rivets. The pan is fitted with a long, turned hardwood handle featuring a dark finish and a bulbous grip, joined to the pan by a copper ferrule.
A stamped mark resembling the number 8 or two overlapping circles is visible on the hinge assembly (photo 1). A small rectangular mark is present on the lower right edge of the lid, consisting of a series of vertical lines or characters within a border, but it is not legible as a name or specific maker (photo 1). An orange adhesive price or inventory label is attached to the metal ferrule of the handle.
Condition report:
The copper shows a mixed patina with significant areas of darkening, oxidation, and verdigris, particularly around the hinge and rim (photo 1). The lid surface has numerous small dents, surface scratches, and areas of pitting consistent with age and domestic use. The wooden handle shows wear to the finish and several fine drying cracks along its length. The metal ferrule shows tarnishing and oxidation. The hinge remains functional and intact.
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