Late 17th century, of handled dome form with repousse elliptical and lozenge pattern borders, unmarked.

14 x 15 1/2 x 10 in.

The Estate of the late Dr. Larry Southworth, Fredericksburg, Virginia

The curfew, from the French term couvre-feu (fire cover), is typically made of sheet brass or copper, and used to enclose fire embers at the days end. Fireplaces are often a focal point in a room, and curfews provided visual interest and important function, enabling the embers to be kept smouldering at night so that the fire could be re-lit easily the following morning with bellows. This model is pierced with ventilation holes allowing small amounts of air to enter so that the fire was not deprived of oxygen.

Some denting and nicks to brass; interior with a few later ink inscriptions.