London Fine Antiques has dated this piece to the 1860s.
Victorian Fireside Fuel Store Cabinet - 1860
Charming Victorian twin flap-door coal/wood store cabinet in mahogany with auto-opening mechanism.
This style of coal storage first came to the market in 1847. A little about the term can be found in the passage below:
Less exotically, it was a trade name for a type of coal-box or coal-scuttle that had a removable metal lining. This allowed the messy and noisy work of refilling it to take place away from the firesides of the nineteenth-century middle classes, while keeping the elegant wooden outer box in pristine condition.
When it came on to the market, in 1847, its name was greeted with derisive howls at what was thought to be yet another example of the extraordinary fashion of the time for mock classicisms (its critics assumed that the name derived from Greek pur, fire):
However, it is now understood that the true and only source of the name purdonium was a man named Purdon. Few details are known, but he was in some way associated with the London firm of Bell, Massey and Co who put the purdonium on the market.
This example benefits from a gallery to the upper and a very attractive top handle which when pushed back operates the pair of doors. Inside there is a lift out metal scuttle.
The cabinet retains original brass fittings which are very attractive and nicely cast in bronze. To the rear there is a leather strap handle so one can carry two handed if required.
Overall a super piece of furniture which looks attractive and functions nicely. The piece is clean and well presented.
A very versatile size and adaptable to suit other non-fireside storage requirements.
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London Fine Antiques has dated this piece to the 1860s.
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Antique Coal Box Fireside Cabinet Log Bin Purdonium victorian - Brass Detailing - Storage - Excellent Order