Metalware
Metals are a natural and abundant resource that is both malleable and extremely durable, which makes them suitable for all manner of practical purposes. Pure metals, such as copper, iron, lead and tin, and various alloys including brass, bronze and pewter have been used around the world for thousands of years. Metals have played a significant role in the development of human civilisation, with bronze and iron used to make early tools and weapons. Drinking vessels and utensils for making and eating food have been fashioned from metal since ancient times. Pewter and spelter were inexpensive alternatives to more precious metals.
Subcategories
General Article Count: 10
Humans have used metal objects to help and assist then in their daily endeavours. Before electricity, creating fire and light was a major problem and as a consequence a whole industry, terminology and paraphernalia accompanied the ritual of lighting the fire and making light. Metal has played a major part in cooking through the ages and even today we us a range of metal items when preparing, cooking and serving food and drink. However the shape and types of metals used has changed over time and some are no longer used today. Jelly moulds, ale warmers, bed warmers, wax jacks, chamber sticks, taper sticks, snuffers and trays, trivets, footmen, sadirons, fenders and firedogs were all items in everyday use that our ancestors took for granted that today makes an enjoyable collecting area.
Fire Article Count: 8
The art of making fire in this modern age is a failing art, and no longer do the family gather around the fireplace to get warm. Technological advancement is a fine thing, but the loss of social interaction where people sat around the fireplace and spoke to each other rather than talking into a piece of plastic as is the modern way today and something we may later live to regret. The fireplace once held the focus of family life and its importance is reflected in the number of goods that were made especially for the fireplace.
Light Article Count: 2
Household lighting has been one continuous effort to render the hours of darkness bright, and to provide by artificial means a luminosity which would, if not actually rivalling the sun, enable people to carry on their life with the same ease, convenience, and comfort after daylight had disappeared as during the earlier portion of the day. Every stage which has been advanced in artificial lighting has been welcomed in the home just as much as in the factory and in the workshop, for there are many daily duties as well as pleasures and amusements which are carried out much more satisfactorily when a good light is available than when there are shadows and dark corners only dimly lighted.
Kitchenalia Article Count: 0
Old or historic kitchen utensils and equipment go by various different names from "culinary antiques or objects" “kitchen collectables” to "vintage kitchenalia". Whether they are ancient or mid 1900's "retro", almost all old food preparation, serving, and storage items appeals to a collector somewhere. Many objects are easy to identify, but not so in every case. It is not always clear if a simple box or pot or implement had a particular name or use. In the 1900's, a collection of jars (earthenware, stoneware, glass) and boxes (wooden, tin) was needed when food was stored at home and groceries were sold unwrapped. Households had different beaters, paddles, and bats - some of them known as beetles - for purposes from tenderising meat to working butter to beating the dirt out of clothes. Simple wooden boards, stirring sticks, and large spoons had a wide range of uses.