Object Description
A gorgeous antique Victorian mahogany coal scuttle, also known as a purdonium, in excellent condition and dating from around 1880.
The botanical name for the mahogany this coal scuttle is made of is Swietenia Macrophylla and this type of mahogany is not subject to CITES regulation.
The rectagular suttle features a satinwood banding with an upstand to back with bevelled mirror below, the panelled drop door with inlay to centre opens to reveal its original fitted lead lined interior, it features brass handles with carrying handles to sides, standing on a shaped plinth base.
Condition:
In excellent condition, please see photos for confirmation.
Dimensions in cm:
Height 96 x Width 40 x Depth 36
Dimensions in inches:
Height 3 foot, 2 inches x Width 1 foot, 4 inches x Depth 1 foot, 2 inches
Purdonium is a trade name for a type of coal-box or coal-scuttle that had a removable metal lining. This allowed the messy and noisy work of refilling it to take place away from the firesides of the nineteenth-century middle classes, while keeping the elegant wooden outer box in pristine condition.
When it came on to the market, in 1847, its name was greeted with derisive howls at what was thought to be yet another example of the extraordinary fashion of the time for mock classicisms (its critics assumed that the name derived from Greek pur, fire).
Our reference: A2745