Foot Warmer
Lyon, second half of 19th century
In the past, small mobile stoves, also called «Fuss-Stövchen» [little foot stoves], were used as a remedy for cold feet. The metal containers, which were usually beautifully decorated, were filled with glowing charcoal. This foot warmer is made of brass and equipped with a carrying handle made of bone. It has holes on the front side for air inflow and an adjustable opening in the middle of the lid, from which combustion gases streamed out. Placing one’s feet on the foot warmer kept them warm in cold living rooms, in the unheated kitchen or while travelling in a carriage.