These tea warmers were used to keep the teapot warm when it was filled with tea, hence the name. This one was owned and used by Mrs M Larer, New Gisborne "Elderslie" in the 1920's.A silver plated round single burner tea warmer with a removable top grid with five support arms. It has a retractable metal 'wick' operated by turning a small round flat knob attached to the side. This knob is joined to the 'wick' with a long silver rod on the outside of the mechanism so the operator does not burn their fingers. The reservoir has two curved small handles on the side and an ornate filigree style pattern at the top rim. Inside the 'wick' section there is also a small knob with a tiny hole in the top to turn which releases pressure in the reservoir. stamped on the base is 'EPNS A1 London'containers, teapots, teapot warmers, tea accessories, pots

This kind of tea cosy was found in just about every Dutch home in the 1950's. It took pride of place on the tea trolley and took the place of, or was an alternative to, the tea lights which also served to keep the teapot warm. It held a large teapot and although it was very effective in keeping the tea warm, after a couple of hours the tea became rather bitter and tasted "stewed". Since the Dutch are not in the habit of adding milk to their tea, the late afternoon cuppa was not always a favourite.A symbol of what the Dutch prize above all, namely "gezelligheid", which means homely cosiness. The afternoon tea ritual ("thee-uurtje") was a very important time of the day as children came home from school to a cosily lit home with their mother presiding over pouring out the tea and distributing biscuits (one at a time!) Half rounded cotton padded teapot warmer (Dutch "theemuts" = tea bonnet) with inserted plywood base. White outside with grey-blue Delft tile motifs, lined with navy blue taffeta and padded with kapok. Metal carrying handle under which there is a clasp which opens and closes the cosy.noneteapot, dutch family life, dutch, immigration, household items

Teapot awarded to Mrs Thomas Quayle at the Melbourne Exhibition of 1866 for an exhibit. From the home of the late Mrs. W.J. Sebire.Ornate silver teapot551 on basefood warmers, teapots