French Silver Brandy Warmer, 19th Century

• Ebony - Ebony is a close grained timber, black in colour. It has a fine texture which can be polished to a high gloss, making it suitable for venereering, inlay and stringing and its use as solid timber is resticted to small decorative items and ornamental decoration, such as chess pieces and musical instrument parts. The term "ebonised" means "faux ebony", timber that has been darkened during the polishing process to resemble ebony.
• Brandy Warmer - A brandy warmer is a decorative container, traditionally made of silver, used to heat and serve brandy. The container typically has a handle, a spout for pouring, and a removable lid, and it's designed to keep the brandy warm and to enhance the flavours and aromas of the drink.
  
  Brandy warmers were commonly used during the 19th century in Britain and America, especially in upper-class society. Many of these warmers were made of silver, as it was an expensive material that symbolized wealth and luxury. They were often used as a serving piece during formal meals, and were also used for special occasions like Christmas or New Year's celebrations.
  
  The design of these warmers vary. Some were simple and plain and others were more elaborate with intricate engravings or other decorative details. They were made by different silversmiths and manufacturers and can be found in different styles and sizes, varying from the traditional and classical to the more modern and bold designs.

This item has been included into following indexes:

• brandy warmers / saucepans - silver items 37
• silver, country of manufacture - French 353