Antique 19th Century French Chaufferette or Foot Warmer

A wonderful hand painted and distressed antique French chaufferette, dating from the mid to late 19th Century.

Made by the renowned foundry of Alfred Corneaux of Charleville, with a maker's mark on its base, this cast iron chaufferette was designed to have hot coals put inside it. This would then warm up the outside of the piece, allowing feet to be warmed up on cold days.

Whilst this is perhaps rather dangerous and uncalled for in modern times, this is still a fantastic decorative piece for the home, perhaps as a fireside accompaniment or as a planter.

In very good condition, the outside of this foot warmer has been hand painted with a white washed effect. In good condition for its age, there is oxidisation to the base and inside the box. There is also some general wear and a small number of worm holes on the wooden handle, although this has been treated.

Length, 27cm; Depth, 16cm; Height, 9.5cm