'Pyramid' food warmer invented by Samuel Clarke, England, 1888-1920

Food warmer, earthenware pannikin with lid, metal stand, patented Pyramid by Samuel Clarke, Cricklewood, London, English, 1888-1900, probably made for the North American market

This device could be used to heat a pint of milk, keep food warm or to prepare pap. Flour or bread was mixed with milk diluted with water to make pap, which could be used to wean infants off breast milk. The metal jug was filled with hot water and the ceramic pannikin was placed inside it. The jug was then placed in the stand. To provide heat a lit candle or a tea-light was placed underneath. The device was trade marked by Samuel Clarke as a ‘Pyramid’ food warmer as the different parts stack up like a pyramid.