Primitive Red Stained Wood "Foot Warmer" Exterior, with Tinsmith Fitted "Whale Oil Burner" Interior !!! Circa Mid-19th Century.

Circa 1840's to 1860.

Original Single Tube Whale Oil Burner is presently stuck in the custom fitted Tin Oil Fount. Proof of it's Pre-Kerosene Construction with full length soldered edge Tin Interior Flashing & Ingenious Fire Proof top tin Chamber. This chamber which spreads out the heat in the box without starting a fire or smoldering a cloth cover above the box's center ! There is a formed wire that keeps the Fount from bouncing out while transporting. Ventilation was also achieved by 4 drilled wood holes in bottom for Intake Air, and the top perimeter lid holes were drilled for Exhaust. The black painted tin top chamber shows brush strokes still evident, but was later cloth or carpet covered.

Awesome Original Red Stained Softwood Case, with the 3 Originally designed "Turnip Feet" which was later modified with an added 4th Foot for Stability. Wood has Fine Cut Nails in wood corners which were lapped jointed together. The Fine Nails were also used around the bottom edge to hold the bottom wood in the case. Antiquarian research reveals clues of foot design was changed on the underside. The tell-tale footprints of a triangular pattern of 3 feet, later changed to a more stable symmetric 4 pattern, with the 3 original feet being stained red, and the 4th additional remaining unstained. It must have wobbled on the 3 feet when people put their feet on it.

Wire Bail handle for carrying. Gold Painted iron hinges to simulate brass. Brass Hook & Loop to hold Lid down.

Measures 7 3/4 inches Wide, by 6 3/4 inches deep , and 5 1/8 inches High.

Weighs 1 Pound and 14 Ounces.

Condition is in overall excellent & original, with the cloth cover removed from the top wood lid's frame. See tack holes on the perimeter.

Price is $300.00 Firm, and I hope it never sells.

Item ID: 3076