Located in Nottingham, GB
Constructed with a sharply tapering conical body, this hand-fashioned copper warmer represents a quintessential piece of historic tavern and hearthside equipment. The form, commonly referred to as an ale mull, cider muller, or shoe muller in varying local traditions, was devised to plunge directly into glowing fireplace embers or hot coals. This pointed profile concentrated heat through the thin metal wall, bringing ale, cider, or wine quickly to mulled drinking temperature without boiling over.
A sturdy rolled rim finishes the wide mouth, lending rigidity to the sheet metal cone. Fitted along the upper quarter is an angular flat copper strap handle with a pinched upper mount and a graceful upward-curled lower terminal, secured with traditional brass or copper rivets. The long brazed seam extends down the body to the acute tip, displaying typical early hand craftsmanship with visible hand-hammered nuances throughout.
Historically, vessels of this type flourished in British public houses and domestic kitchens throughout the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, likely dating here to the Georgian period around 1800 to 1820. Spices, sugar, and sometimes butter or spirits were added straight into the vessel with tavern ale, which was quickly stirred over the grate before being poured out into tankards or mugs.
The vessel measures 26.04 cm in overall height, with a rim diameter of 10.79 cm and an overall depth of 15 cm across the handle. Today, it survives as an evocative example of antique hearth...
Category
Early 19th Century Antique Copper Barware