Silver, Victorian Furniture, Murano Glass & Beswick Pottery Auction | Studio Ceramics & Antiques
Lot 390: Antique Copper and Brass Mechanical Fire Blower
A late 19th or early 20th century mechanical fire blower or rotary bellows. The object is constructed with a conical hammered copper body featuring concentric reinforcing ribs and a narrow tapered nozzle designed to focus airflow. It is fitted with a side-mounted brass D-shaped handle for stability during use. The detachable circular base unit contains a perforated iron plate and an internal fan mechanism, which is operated by an external hand-turned crank handle with a copper grip and iron supporting struts. The construction incorporates brazed and riveted seams. The copper body retains two adhesive paper labels, one printed with the number 390 and the other with a handwritten 9371. No maker’s marks, stamps, or signatures are visible on the exterior surfaces.
Condition report:
The copper body displays a deep, naturally aged patina with scattered surface dents, light scratches, and small areas of verdigris consistent with functional use. The brass handle and reinforcing bands are tarnished. The iron components of the base and the crank mechanism exhibit significant surface oxidation and heavy rust. The mechanical integrity and operational status have not been tested.
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