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RARE CHARLES II SILVER BRAZIER Mark of "B", London, 1677
Ref. Jackson’s 2009 p. 133; found on a communion service dating 1675, Titchfield, Hants, p. 135, Jackson's 1964 edition
Square with four cut corners, each having a raised double scroll support, the sides pierced with a band of fleur-de-lys motifs, the sunken square center with a raised central dome, raised on four double C- scroll feet
12.5 oz.
4” High x 6.25” Wide
(Click the above image or title for more information)
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Braziers have been around for centuries, providing heat, and fire for cooking. They seem to exist in every country. A portable bronze brazier from the House of Pinario Ceriale, Pompeii, is now housed in the Melbourne Museum in Australia.
Hot coals were placed directly into the main receptacles, which had a small basin at the bottom to receive the ashes - sometimes with a central dome. These braziers were usually pierced for ventilation and raised on short legs to keep the heat from the table. Braziers were often fitted with rising "dish supports".
English braziers are found from the late 17th century, but usually of round form with a short handle. This early English example seems to follow the Dutch form, as seen in the painting below : "Young Woman Warming her Hands over a Brazier ", Cesar Boëtius van Everdingen, c1650. The earthenware brazier in this painting would have been used not only for warming food and hands, but lighting sulphur strips for pipes.
It is difficult to imagine such a utilitarian object made from silver. This one has a few repairs, but given its history and usage, they seem inevitable. There are no breaks to the fleur-de-lys piercing nor on the base receptacle.
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