Bidspirit auction | A Gothic Revival Patinated Bronze

A Gothic Revival Patinated Bronze Hand Warmer and Stand A decorative two-piece assembly comprising a spherical hand warmer, or pomum calefaciens, and a coordinating circular ring stand. The sphere is constructed from cast bronze with a deep, dark patina, featuring intricate ajouré pierced scrollwork and a central decorative band with a textured grain finish, possibly oak or textured metal. The top of the sphere is set with a cast heraldic-style shield displaying a stylised foliate motif. The accompanying stand is similarly cast with a section of pierced geometric quatrefoil patterns and vertical banding. This style of object, historically used by clergy to warm hands during liturgical services.