Chinese Copper Handled Hand Warmer with Pierced Top with Geese Circa 1900

A round scalloped body has a lid that is pierced with a decoration of geese, plantains, and peonies. The hand warmer has a white metal wash over the copper.

 

The heavy copper metal body has been tooled into a lipped round body with deep indentations.

 

The lid, which fits tightly, has a shaped piercing with a design of plantains, geese and peonies. The handle has a slightly indented pattern that is attached to the body by pins. It stands upright on its own.

 

The handwarmer has a slight foot. The base shows chatter marks from the lathe.  On the Inside, the orange of the copper metal is visible in areas where the surface patina is worn.

 

3 ½” (8.9 cm) tall x 5 ½” (14.0 cm) diameter. Weighs 1 lb 1.9 oz (510 g)

 

CONDITION  

There is corrosion to the metal on the inside near the base from use, and tiny holes near the base from using burning coals. The inside has a blackened patina around the sides. The metal on the exterior of both the base and lid has small spotting from oxidation. The body has a few shallow dents. There is also wear on the exterior from age and usage. The hand warmer still has a nice complete look.

 

A nice old hand warmer with an interesting shape and color. I love the two geese. It was likely once a wedding gift since geese represent lifetime unions. It would make a wonderful wedding or anniversary gift again today.