Welsh's Bed and Feet Warmer

01

Artifact Overview

Foot warmers solved the problem of cold feet in past generations. Some warmers held charcoal, others held hot water. Pottery, tin, and soapstone were the favored materials to conduct the heat. The warmer was kept under the feet, then the legs and feet were tucked into a blanket, providing welcome warmth in a cold carriage or unheated church.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Foot warmer

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

2022.0.22.55

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Metal
Paper (Fiber product)

Color

Green
Gold (Color)
Gray (Color)
Beige (Color)
Black (Color)

Dimensions

Height: 3.875 in
Width: 10.625 in
Length: 18 in

Inscriptions

on top: WELSH'S / PORTABLE / BED / & / FEET WARMER. on end: 3 on label on bottom: WELSH'S / PORTABLE BED AND FEET WARMER / [...] / MANUFACTURED BY / GEORGE W. WELSH / GLOVERSVILLE, FULTON CO., N. Y.