CHAFING DISH

An incomplete cast copper alloy chafing dish handle of Post Medieval dating (16th to 17th Centuries AD).

The handle can be described in two parts: the loop handle and the attachment. The loop handle was originally trapezoidal in plan, and rectangular in cross section. It now consists of a square sectioned bar in a V shape with flattened bottom. The loop attachment would have originally been fixed to the chafing dish vessel wall and consists of a rectangular section with an oval end. A circular hole is present in the oval end, through which the loop handle is located.

It measures 45.12mm in length, 47.78mm wide and 13.62mm thick. The loop handle is 4.53mm thick. It weighs 20.0 grams.

It is a mid to dark green colour, with an even surface patination. Traces of the original soil are present on the surface. Along the edges, there are a few areas of light green discoloration, where the surface patina has been displaced. These areas are signs of active corrosion occurring, and to prevent further deterioration of the artefact, it should be stored in a dry acid-free environment (Stewart box, acid-free tissue and silica gel).

Chafing dish handles are frequently encountered finds, and many examples have been recorded on the PAS database. They were domestic utensils made of metal or earthenware for holding burning charcoal or other combustible material. This was then used to cook food or keep it hot at the table. Chafing dishes with this type of handle were frequently used during the Post Medieval period (16th to 17th Centuries AD).