1700s Spherical Carriage Hand Warmer consisting of a spherical cage inside which a gimbal mechanism, a series of articulated concentric rings, is visible. Suspended at the center of these rings is a small burner or fuel container, likely oil. The gimbal system allowed the user to rotate, move, or hang the object in any position without the internal embers container tipping over, thus preventing the spillage of hot material and ensuring maximum safety. The structure consists of a spherical cage formed by vertical and horizontal metal ribs hand-riveted together, with two hinges in the central band that allowed it to open for pouring oil into the burner. At the top is an eyelet with a metal hook (and in some photos a small chain), used both to hold it comfortably and to hang it.
This type of object has medieval origins. They were initially used by priests and bishops during long winter services in cold cathedrals to prevent their fingers from stiffening and to allow them to officiate the Eucharist with precision. Later (between the 16th and 19th centuries), the item became a luxury accessory for nobles and the wealthy, used during carriage rides or in unheated rooms. The craftsmanship of the ribbing, the visible rivets, the type of closure, and the strength of the forging suggest an artisanal production, likely dating to between the 17th and 18th centuries. In good age related condition despite the absence of a curved spoke.