Not Pots Nor Pans: The Centuries-Old Copper 'Appliance' Collectors Dream Of Finding

For avid antique collectors, finding centuries-old objects offers a window into the past, and creates a picture of what life was truly like at a specific point in history. Once-popular household items are especially exciting to find because they tell a story about life in the home and what sorts of creature comforts were valued the most. The bed warming pan was a symbol of comfort, warmth, and survival for those who could afford it, and was considered a household staple between the 17th and 19th centuries (1600s to 1800s). Today, they're treasured antique items that can cost anywhere from $150 to $600 or more due to being centuries old, handmade, and rare to come by.

Bed warmers resembled lidded pans with extra lengthy handles. They were typically constructed using metals like copper or brass because both materials heat quickly. The long handles were typically made from metal early on but later models were made with wooden handles so they could be carried and handled more easily. Fire-heated elements would be put in the pan and placed between bed sheets to create a warm sleep environment. They sometimes had engravings or designs, which adds to their value and decorative appeal today. 

As you search through estate sales, antique stores, and through online auctions, there are a few authenticity tests to perform in order to figure out if it's an actual antique copper bed warmer or a decorative reproduction. It may show signs of wear and tear inside the pan including scratches or burn marks. Oxidized copper could signify deterioration due to age. If it's dented or slightly misshapen it could indicate that it was handmade with historic tools that weren't as precise. The major indicator is size. The pan should be about one foot in diameter and the handle should be around 2 to 3 feet in length.

There are decorative reproductions that are much smaller and meant to be displayed on a wall, so make sure you check the size dimensions before purchasing online. If you do find and purchase an antique bed warmer pan, it should be used purely for decoration. Even in its prime, and despite being useful at warding off the cold, it was the cause of many burn incidents, fires, and even fatal accidents. So stick to your central heating and blankets and mount it on a wall, put it on a display shelf, or pose it beside a fireplace as a conversation piece.