Chafing dish

Date1763-1764

Probably by Emick Romer

MediumSilver (Sterling) and wood

DimensionsOH: 4 3/8"; DIAM (bowl): 7"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1963-174,A

DescriptionChafing dish with removable plate. Three shaped and pointed flaps hinged at rim at equal intervals serve as pan or dish supports, accommodating a large pan or dish when extended and a smaller one when turned inward; short circular bulbous body with plain everted rim with three rows of piercing around constricted neck, the upper and lower rows consisting of alternating trefoils and small circles; lower section of body holds coals with a row of piercing for ventilation; body supported on three short legs with L-shaped attachments to body and ball-and-claw feet; turned pear wood handle fitting straight tubular socket with molding at rim and disc-shaped attachment to body; removable circular plate with a similar three rows of piercing and a ball knob soldered in center and fitting within body above area for coals. Unengraved. Weight: 27 oz 9dwt 6 1/2 with handle
Label TextThis chafing dish is a late English example. By its time, the dish cross with lamp (such as accession 1967-730) had largely usurped the function of the chafing dish. The hinged flaps on the rim, reminiscent of the pan supports on iron trivets, are an unusual feature. They can be flipped inward or outward, depending on the size and form of the object to be supported. This example retains the pierced plate on which the charcoal fuel was burnt; it fits above the lower piercing of the body.
InscribedNo
MarkingsMaker's mark "ER" in block letters within a conforming reserve, leopard's head crowned, lion passant, and date letter on underside of body; lion passant on each of three hinged pan supports; removable plate unmarked.
ProvenanceFirestone and Parson, Boston
Acquired by CWF in 1963