CHAFING DISH

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

Around 50% of the handle is present, the rest is presumed lost in antiquity.

The loop handle was originally sub trapezoidal in plan with rounded corners (heart shaped with a flattened base), and rectangular in cross section. It would have three concave sides and one shorter straight side, which would have originally contained the attachment lug. Only the top part of the handle remains, the flattened base is missing. Filemarks are present on the sides of the handle.

It measures 17.5 mm in length, 57.4 mm wide and 4.7 mm thick. It weighs 13.2 grams.

It is a mid to dark green colour, with an even surface patination. Abrasion, caused by movement whilst within the plough soil, has resulted in a loss of some of the original surface detail.

Chafing dish handles are frequently encountered finds, and many examples have been recorded on the PAS database (including: WMID-F35A94; WMID-93F3F3; WMID-5B0A92). 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).