18th Century Colonial New England Wrought Iron Fireplace Trammel

A splendid example of period blacksmithing work this chain trammel dating from the mid 18th century, circa 1730-1750, with similar examples being seen illustrated in numerous books documenting interior furnishings of the Colonial era.

A chain trammel served the purpose of suspending various articles of hearthware in an open cooking fireplace. The top (larger) rung of the piece would have been fitted on the interior of a brick or stone fireplace on the interior hook or lug pole.  The bottom links of the chain would then be suspended into the hearth with the bottom rung of the piece being used to suspend itself on the handle of a period tea kettle, iron pot, or other cookware and the off flanking hook being placed upwards on the iron rings to vary the distance of the cooking article from the fire.

As you can see the construction of this piece is outstanding, the blacksmith who made it working to forge and connect each individual link of the chain (of which there are 11)

Condition on the piece is overall very good. There is some slight pitting and oxidation from age, else a very solid example with a wonderful patina.

Fully extended the piece measures 61" in length.  

Note the great twist design on the bottom hanging hook as well as its tabbed designs.

Offered on a buy it now auction!

Thanks for visiting Foxrun-Farms now in our 18th year on ebay!

Please visit our other auctions this and every week for quality examples of early wrought iron!