This piece came from an eclectic Estate sale that had many pieces of significant antique value. I love this little antique brass foot warmer (stoker) from a French company. It was a practical way to keep your feet warm during a time when it was drafty indoors and/or for a carriage or sleigh ride. Being portable it could be used in church, a carriage or simply in a cold corner at home perhaps while tending to mending or some handwork.

French made by GIRODON, the Stoker was a portable brass charcoal heater. There is a round vent on the top that moves freely with the small handle below, this was used to regulate the heat. Inside was a set of metal braces that would hold the charcoal in place. The heater could be placed under the feet or on your lap and it is complete with a painted black wooden handle making it convenient for carrying. There are heat vent holes along with front as well as the top vent.

The piece is in wonderful, antique condition. The lid does close properly and securely by pushing back the latch with the button on the front and closing the top piece. The solid brass is nicely aged, shows nice patina and some small spots of minor tarnishing. The bottom and inside, which are not brass show the most age as they took the burden of the heat. There are no holes or compromised areas however. It has ridges along the top and two etched circles of manufacturing details on each side of the vent They indicate:

Girodon & Co. FAB nts Depose A Villeurbanne Lyon
Brevet en France & A L'Etranger. SDGS STOKER

The only note flaw, beyond the patina and aged condition of the brass, is a few small dents in the corners of the case and some rusting on the pins holding the handle in place.

This is very collectible and would make a wonderful gift to someone special!

Dimensions:

5 1/4" x 7 1/4" x 2 1/4"
1 3/4" height of handle