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Ever since humanity moved into temperate climates, we have faced the problem of how to keep warm in the winter. Our extremities are especially challenging. Throughout history, people have come up with various types of foot warmers, and many of the old types are collectible today. One of the most popular types among collectors has a small wooden frame and punched tin panels.
The example shown here, measuring 6 by 10 1/2 inches, sold for $53 at Strawser Auction Group. One panel is hinged on one side, so it opens like a door, and an open metal container inside the box is filled with hot coals. The box would rest on the floor, and a sitter would place their feet on or near it and cover their legs with a blanket to trap the heat. Women may not have needed blankets; their long skirts would have served a similar purpose.
While the use of a heater covered with a cloth to trap the heat has appeared all around the world, including the brasero in Spain, korsi in Iran and nearby Central Asian countries, and kotatsu in Japan, this type of foot warmer is particular to the Netherlands and northern Germany. Immigrants from these regions brought them to the United States in the 18th and 19th centuries.
A portable version with a wire handle on top, like the one pictured here, was often used for traveling in sleighs or carriages. Punched tin was especially popular in American decorative arts from about 1830 to 1860, which may help date an antique foot warmer. Punching tiny holes in the tin panels allows heat to escape. The perforations were often made in patterns or simple shapes. Heart shapes were apparently a favorite design.
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Q: I was hoping you might be able to help me find out the value of two Nantucket friendship baskets that I am looking to sell. If you are not the right organization to ask about this, perhaps you know someone I can contact.
A: Nantucket friendship baskets are popular collectibles, appealing to collectors of nautical art and fashion handbags alike. Generally, vintage Nantucket friendship baskets are worth at least $300. Baskets by an identifiable artist can sell for thousands of dollars, especially if they are at least 20 years old.
The easiest way to identify the artist is if the basket is signed, usually on the base, but some baskets were instead marked with paper labels that wear off over time. You may want to contact an auction house that has sold them before. They may be able to provide you with more information and an appraisal. Auction houses that deal in nautical collectibles, especially if they are located in New England, are the most likely to be able to help.
Nantucket friendship baskets are distinguished from earlier Nantucket lightship baskets by their covers, which usually include a wood center panel and ornamental scrimshaw-style carving. Both types of baskets, lightship and friendship, are woven on a mold with vertical staves, cane weavers, and a solid wooden base.
The first friendship baskets are attributed to Jose Formoso Reyes, who moved to Nantucket after World War II and learned basket weaving there. This style of basket is still made in Nantucket today.
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Q: I have a small collection of wildlife prints by various artists. Can you tell me how I can find out if they are worth anything?
A: The first step to evaluating a print is determining if it is an original or a reprint. The easiest way to do this is to look for copyright information, particularly the date and the name of the printing company. If this is on the print, you can usually look it up online. If not, a local art museum or art gallery may be able to help you. Unless they are very early or a limited edition, reprints are usually worth little.
If you have an original artist-signed print, it may be very valuable. There are several online databases like Artnet and Artbnk that have price guides to famous artists. Again, a library or art museum in your area may subscribe to them or may have printed copies of similar directories. If you know the artist is American, the Smithsonian American Art Museum online inventory may have helpful information.
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TIP: Wooden boxes, toys, or decoys should not be kept on the fireplace mantel or nearby floor areas when the fire is burning. The heat dries the wood and the paint. Unprotected wooden items on warm TV sets and stereos may also be damaged.
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Kovels answers readers' questions sent to the column. Send a letter with one question describing the size, material (glass, pottery) and what you know about the item. Include only two pictures: the object and a close-up of any marks or damage. Be sure your name and return address are included. By sending a question, you give full permission for use in any Kovel product. Names, addresses or email addresses will not be published. We do not guarantee the return of photographs, but if a stamped envelope is included, we will try. Questions that are answered will appear in Kovels Publications. Write to Kovels, (Name of this newspaper), King Features Syndicate, 300 W. 57th Street, 41st Floor, New York, NY 10019, or email us at collectorsgallery@kovels.com.