Wrought Iron Apple Roaster

It was very popular to roast apples at the hearth, and this wrought iron frame was constructed to support two tiers of them . . . four on the top tier and 6 on the bottom. This also could have been used to roast potatoes.

It is a testimony to the imagination and skill of the blacksmith and most likely was a special order piece as it would have been very labor intensive to make. There is a certain delicacy about the piece that takes this utilitarian item into the realm of folk art.  Circa 1740-1810.  13"long, 9-1/2" high and 7" deep.  There is no question that the hearth on which this was used must have been in a very well-to-do home.
 F1028595