597 - No Reserve - Ember bowl (Chofeta/Brasero), Nicolas Chameroi, Madrid 1833, silver

No Reserve - Ember bowl (Chofeta/Brasero), Nicolas Chameroi, Madrid 1833, silver A silver bowl for glowing coals, fitted with two wooden handles. The bowl is supported by two eagles with a flame between them. The bowl is decorated on both sides with a woman’s head. About the object: Before the invention of friction matches, smokers lit their pipes and cigars with embers from the fireplace or stove. Since a glowing ember is difficult to hold with tongs—to avoid dropping it on the table—shallow bowls were designed to be passed (safely) from one person to another or placed on the table without causing a burn. These devices were called “pipe lighter” or “smoker’s brazier” and, in Spanish, “chofeta” and “brasero” (braserillo). Madrid, Spain, Nicolas Chameroi, 1833. Hallmarks: Madrid city marks with the numerals 33 (year), maker’s mark, tremblier stitch, V-import mark. In good condition. Weight: 264.4 grams, 916/1000 (11 dineros). Dimensions (height x width x depth): 10.5 x 29.5 x 6.5 cm. This lot will be auctioned without a reserve price.