VERY RARE – Revolutionary War Brazier, as in major museums (ON HOLD,N)

This is something you seldom see offered for sale; it is a Revolutionary War Brazier. A brazier was a portable iron stove designed to hold hot coals for cooking. They were especially useful for officers and their servants during the campaign season, as they frequently moved their encampments. This one measures 8” x 8” x 8” with a wooden handle extending another 5”.

The brazier has four circular holding pads on four, narrow, vertical legs, supported by an X-shape stretcher or brace and ending in small, curved feet. Three of the sides are each pierced with five holes. It has a hinged grate on top, fixed grate on bottom and lipped ash pan below. All elements are forged and peened or riveted together. No markings. There are examples in "Collector's Illustrated Encyclopedia of the American Revolution" by Neumann & Kravic (see pictures).

Just about all of the major Revolutionary War museums have one of these braziers in their collections and on display. In the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia, they have a brazier that once belonged to Marquis de Lafayette (see pictures). He brought it to America during the Revolutionary War and later presented it to his fellow cavalry commander, Henry "Light Horse Harry" Lee.

There are also examples in the Valley Forge Museum, Fort Ticonderoga Museum, and the Yorktown Museum (see pictures). Obviously, this stove was well used, there are a few rust spots, but overall, a very solid example – no chipping or flaking. This would be the center piece for any Revolutionary War collection.