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  • Vintage Copper Spirit Kettle, Large & Ornate, C. Victorian Era, Lid & Handles 1
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  • Vintage Copper Spirit Kettle, Large & Ornate, C. Victorian Era, Lid & Handles 2
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  • Vintage Copper Spirit Kettle, Large & Ornate, C. Victorian Era, Lid & Handles 3
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  • Vintage Copper Spirit Kettle, Large & Ornate, C. Victorian Era, Lid & Handles 4
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  • Vintage Copper Spirit Kettle, Large & Ornate, C. Victorian Era, Lid & Handles 5
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  • Vintage Copper Spirit Kettle, Large & Ornate, C. Victorian Era, Lid & Handles 6
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  • Vintage Copper Spirit Kettle, Large & Ornate, C. Victorian Era, Lid & Handles 7
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  • Vintage Copper Spirit Kettle, Large & Ornate, C. Victorian Era, Lid & Handles 8
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  • Vintage Copper Spirit Kettle, Large & Ornate, C. Victorian Era, Lid & Handles 9
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  • Vintage Copper Spirit Kettle, Large & Ornate, C. Victorian Era, Lid & Handles 10
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  • Vintage Copper Spirit Kettle, Large & Ornate, C. Victorian Era, Lid & Handles 11
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  • Vintage Copper Spirit Kettle, Large & Ornate, C. Victorian Era, Lid & Handles 12
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Description

These very ornate copper kettles with their cast iron brackets on both sides look odd in modern times when we're all used to boiling water by plugging a kettle into the mains or placing it on a stove. The reason for the odd design and name is they were designed to be warmed by placing them over a spirit burner, fueled by a flammable liquid such as methylated spirits or naptha. They were invented round about the 1680s and, for the next century or so, were the commonest way to boil water in households throughout western Europe; when the samovar was invented in the 1770s they rapidly fell into disuse, but became popular again in the Victorian era when newly-developed, odourless spirits became widely available. Some types were fitted with metal legs allowing the burner to be placed directly underneath, while others hung by their handles from metal frames. The more upmarket models came with a stand featuring a built-in burner, hanging on them by the brackets seen on the sides of this example.

There is no maker's mark or any other clues as to when, where or by whom it was made. However, based on the style it seems likely to date from the very late Victorian era - the shape, style and ornate decoration is very typically that of a well-to-do upper middle class household of the time, with inhabitants who wanted to copy the style of the great houses but couldn't quite stretch to the solid silver spirit kettles used by the truly wealthy. As for where and who - well, who knows...there were thousands of independent coppersmiths in Britain in those days and many thousands more working in factories, but whoever they were they knew what they were doing - it's a well-made item with the handle still firmly attached and the dovetailed seam around the middle remains watertight to this day. Unusually and befitting its upmarket status, rather than everything other than the stand brackets being made of copper and brass, the upright brackets of the handle are also cast iron and richly decorated; the handle itself and the knob knob are glass.

There are a few dents and patches of patina here and there, but whether these should be considered faults is a matter of opinion - I feel they add to the overall vintage, antique aesthetic. The brackets are all firmly attached to the body, though the hanging brackets are a little bent, and the lid remains a good fit; the handle is in very good order with some small discoloured specks, while the knob is cracked but not right through, so it's lost a small chip but is still attached - albeit loosely - to the lid. It's a pity that the stand has been lost, but a great many spirit kettles of this type used the same two-pronged bracket design and, if so desired, it should be possible to relatively easily find a suitable replacement.

• Dimensions (W x L x H): 28 x 32 x 28cm (11 x 12.5 x 11 inches)
• Weight: 1.7kg (3.75lb)

Due to the nature of this item it is not always possible for us to identify any missing parts.
For this reason we ask that you please check the pictures carefully, as these show everything that is included.

This item has been very kindly donated to the Arthur Rank Hospice Charity.

Arthur Rank Hospice Charity supports people in Cambridgeshire living with an advanced serious illness or other life-limiting condition and those who need end-of-life care. Our ‘Outstanding’ services are provided free of charge to patients and their families. Our aim is to provide the highest quality care, helping them to make every moment count.

100% of the money raised from this sale will go to the charity.

Our sales team do their best to check each item and ensure that the description and pictures provided are as accurate as possible.

Feedback is extremely important to the charity so if you are not fully satisfied with your purchase please give us a chance to resolve any issues by contacting us prior to leaving feedback.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us via eBay messages, we will make sure that your message is responded to promptly, usually within three working days. Messages sent over the weekend will be responded to on the next working day.

If this item is not quite what you were looking for but you would still like to help our cause, please consider providing us with a donation which can be done via our eBay Charity Profile linked below.

Donate via Arthur Rank Hospice Charity Profile

We only accept payments made through one of eBay's many approved methods. Please make sure to complete your payment within 96 hours of winning an item. Once your payment has been received we will dispatch your item as soon as possible, usually within two working days.

Delivery times are calculated in working days (Monday to Friday). If your order is placed after 1pm, the next working day will be considered the first working day for delivery. In case of bank holidays and during the Christmas period where delays are more likely, please allow an extra few days for delivery.

Domestic Delivery

We aim to dispatch orders within two working days. If for any reason there is an unexpected delay in dispatching your order we will make sure to inform you of this as soon as possible.

We use Hermes to deliver the majority of our parcels. If you would like to specify a preferred neighbour, or safe place for the parcel to be left, please leave the details in a message when placing your order.

Some low-value items will be sent by Royal Mail 2nd Class. Some items of higher value are sent by Royal Mail Signed For or Special Delivery, which requires a signature. If you are not present at the time of delivery, a card will be left instructing you to arrange a redelivery, or to collect your order from the local sorting office.

International Delivery

International orders are handled by eBay's Global Shipping Programme.

For full details please see the following eBay help page: Buying internationally with the Global Shipping Programme.

Items can be collected from our Retail Hub at Arthur Rank Hospice Charity, Eastern Counties Leather Industrial Estate, Pampisford, CB22 3EE during our opening hours of 10:00 to 16:00, Tuesday to Saturday. If you would like to collect your item please contact us in advance to arrange this.

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Arthur Rank Hospice Charity uses the eBay Returns system to make the process as easy for you as possible. For full details about the process, and for information on how to begin a return, please see the following eBay help page: Return an item for a refund.

Change of Mind

If when you receive your order you are not completely satisfied, you may return the items to us within 30 days for a refund. Returns will be processed within three working days once the goods have been received by us.

Items must be returned to us in the same condition as they were received by you. This includes, but is not limited to: original packaging, original boxes, packaging materials, manuals, blank warranty cards, accessories and documents. We reserve the right to refuse a return or deduct an amount for lost value where the item is returned in a different condition.

We strongly recommend that you fully insure your package that you are returning, as well as using a carrier that can provide you with tracking information or proof of delivery.

Arthur Rank Hospice Charity will not be held responsible for returns lost or damaged in transit.

Please be aware that it is the responsibility of the customer to cover any delivery charges for returning an unwanted item.

Incorrect/Damaged Goods

We try very hard to ensure that you receive your order in pristine condition. In the unlikely event that your order arrives damaged or faulty, please contact us via eBay immediately, this will be given special priority and you can expect to receive a response within 48 hours, Monday to Friday. Arthur Rank Hospice Charity will cover the cost of domestic return postage for any incorrect or damaged items, subject to the cost of the chosen return method being reasonable. Please contact us before proceeding if unsure.

About Arthur Rank Hospice Charity

Arthur Rank Hospice Charity supports people in Cambridgeshire living with an advanced serious illness or other life-limiting condition and those who need end-of-life care. Its ‘Outstanding’ services are provided free of charge to patients and their families. The aim is to provide the highest quality care, helping them to make every moment count.

Around 4,000 patients are cared for each year at the Hospice in Cambridge, the Alan Hudson Day Treatment Centre in Wisbech and in patients’ own homes via the Arthur Rank Community Team. This care supports people to improve their quality of life and fulfil their end of their life choices.

Alongside the care provided by the Inpatient Unit, Living Well services and Hospice at Home teams, patients can access: patient and family support; lymphoedema care; complementary therapy; medical and pain outpatient clinics; and advice from the clinical nurse specialists within the Specialist Palliative Care Home Team. Programmes are practical, holistic and tailored to the individual patient, family member or carer and may also include rehabilitative support, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and psychological support.

It will cost £10.5 million in 2021/2022 to run services, which are provided free of charge to patients and their loved ones. Contracted services from the NHS are budgeted at £6.98 million, meaning that £3.52 million needs to be raised through donations, fundraising activities and trading. The Charity is extremely grateful to the local community for the continual dedication, commitment and generosity they show in supporting towards meeting this target.

© 2017 Arthur Rank Hospice Charity. All rights reserved A registered Charity No 1133354