Department: Decorative Art

This is a hot water plate or dish warmer, made by Mathew Boulton & Co. in the late 1700s or early 1800s. Dish warmers were an invention of the early 1800s, often made as an integral part of an entrée dish. They consist of a shallow pan with a hinged cap for filling with hot water, or sometimes a hot iron bar can be inserted. Dinner plates placed on top can be kept warm until food is served.