Historical information
Smokers are used to calm bees. This is done by putting some kind of fuel into the chamber (pine needles, hessian, anything that smokes a lot when it burns), lighting it, then puffing the bellows to bring forth the smoke. The smoke has a calming influence over the bees, and helps stop them from stinging.
The guard around the outside is to prevent burns via contact with the hot chamber.
Physical description
Circular canister, metal, with spout attached. Connected by metal struts to bellows. Bellows have wooden front and back joined by leather that is attached by metal. Very rusty; lid fused shut. Extensive use wear.
