Best of Bonnechere - Metals
This curious cluster speaks to a cook's life. While using a kettle, the cook likely used a cloth to protect his hands from the hot lids. The grate wrench shook down the coals in the stove. The decidedly feminine ring and charm were worn as devotional and personal tokens.
But what was so precious that it had to be locked behind an interior door with key?
Stove Grate Wrench
Collection: Best of Bonnechere
Object: Stove Wrench
Material: Steel
Period: Early 20th Century
This particular style of wrench was applied to the end of grates in the bottom of a wood-fed cookstove firebox. By moving the handle back and forth, one would shake ash and embers into the ash pan below, allowing for a better burn and easier ash removal.
Tea Kettle Lid
Collection: Best of Bonnechere
Object: Kettle
Material: Metal
Period: Mid 19th Century - Late 19th Century
This tin lid likely belonged to a teakettle or container for hot liquids. It features a well crafted rolled edge strap of tin formed into a loop and affixed to the lid as a handle, indicating that a tinsmith likely made it.
Religious Medal
Collection: Best of Bonnechere
Object: Charm
Material: Metal
Period: Late 19th Century - Early 20th Century
Round medal with eyelet featuring Catholic symbolism. Side one illustrates the Divine Mother and Infant; side two, the Sacred Heart of Jesus. These motifs are still common on contemporary medals. The piece was die cut, then stamped on both sides; 2 cm round.
Key
Collection: Best of Bonnechere
Object: Key
Material: Metal
Period: Late 19th Century
This common type of key was used for case locks, which were usually mounted on interior doors for privacy and/or security. A key such as this might be used for multiple locks that employed a simple dead-bolt mechanism.
