19th Century French Copper and Brass Bed Warmer Bassinoire with Iron Handle

$775

About

Full of rustic charm and traditional French craftsmanship, this antique bed warmer, known in France as a bassinoire, was once an essential household accessory during cold winter nights. Crafted in France circa 1850, the warming pan features a rounded hammered copper bowl topped with a beautifully pierced brass lid and fitted with a long forged iron handle.

The circular copper vessel showcases a rich, warm patina with distinctive hand-hammered texture throughout. The domed brass lid is intricately pierced with scrolling floral and foliate motifs, allowing heat to circulate while retaining the glowing embers inside. The hinged lid opens to reveal the spacious copper interior, further displaying traditional hammered craftsmanship. The long, flat iron handle, ending in a small hanging loop, was designed to safely maneuver the warming pan beneath bed linens.

Historically, bassinoires were filled with hot embers and passed between sheets to warm beds before retiring for the evening, a common practice in French country homes and châteaux before central heating became widespread.

Today, this authentic antique French bed warmer makes a wonderful decorative accent in a country kitchen, near a fireplace, or displayed on a wall as a piece of French provincial history.

The antique bassinoire is in excellent condition commensurate with age and use, with a rich aged patina on the copper, brass, and iron surfaces.

Dimensions: 12″ W x 6.5″ D x 40″ H (overall length including handle)

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