Copper Coal Scuttle

Antique copper coal scuttle with porcelain handles and brass lion's head.

Coal scuttles, also known as coal hods, were essential household items in homes heated by coal fires, used to transport and store coal near the fireplace. They evolved from simple utilitarian containers to decorative pieces that reflected the style of the era. The use of copper and brass provided durability and a pleasing aesthetic, while decorative elements like porcelain handles and cast metal motifs added a touch of luxury. This particular scuttle, with its porcelain handles and lion's head embellishment, likely dates from the late 19th or early 20th century, a period when such functional items were often crafted with significant artistic detail. The blue and white porcelain handles suggest a possible influence from Chinoiserie or Delftware styles, popular during that time.

• Period: Late 19th/Early 20th Century
• Origin: European, likely British