I don't know the make, for there are many manufacturers of stoneware bed warmers {maybe Denby or Langley Ware} dating from the early 1800's onwards until rubber hot water bottles came to mass production in the early twentieth century. They are extremely robust in construction and many survive today so there is no shortage and very little value to them. Of course, that mine belonged to my forebears means it has a value greater than money can buy, for it has kept the feet of my family toasty warm on many a cold winter's night for decades when Jack Frost danced through the night ~~~
It is heavy before being filled with hot water, and, as I recall, was put into my bed and moved around at intervals for an hour or so to make my bed toasty warm before I was safely tucked in with a modern rubber bottle at my feet to keep me warm as I drifted away into the sea of sweet dreams.
I feel lucky to own it, for it has not been seen for decades, assumed broken and thrown out in years past, but recently I was clearing a long forgotten corner of the attic ~~~ and there it was, having made the journey some thirty years ago when we moved house ~~~ hidden in a dark corner where no one went and only spiders lurked ~~~
Cleaned and spruced up, I have taken these photographs and must now decide what to do with it. It is a lovely cream colour, warmer than these images show, with a rich brown glaze and stopper. I don't know what the pattern is, other than leaf like, but is quite traditional. It makes me think of pastry leaves on a pie! I think it is best to simply find a considered spot, maybe on the hearth, and leave it on display and appreciate it for it's simple and honest beauty. It is certainly not to be used to warm the bed any longer!
Few things compare to the cosy comforting warmth provided by a hot water bottle ~~~ be it to cuddle and keep you warm or to provide relief from an injury. Nowadays, the popularity of hot water bottles is waning due to the convenience of the electric blanket, but I confess that I adore my cosy hot water bottle more than any electric blanket!
~~~Do you use a hot water bottle, or do you prefer an electric blanket?
