A rare vintage white enamel coal scuttle, and one with great provenance, for it was owned by actor David Niven. It was sold off as part of Niven's house clearance after his death in 1983 and has had one careful owner since. It is square in section and has a steel and wood handle - and holds a good load of coal.

History of enamel in the home

Up until the late 19^th century your everyday coal skuttle was either made from copper, brass or wood. Although the enamelling process had been invented hundreds of years before, it took the Industrial Revolution to drive forward the quality of vitreous enamelling and its application to everyday household objects; and by the dawn of the 20th Century enamelled household equipment, from pans, buckets and kettles through to bins and coal scuttles had become commonplace. 

Year of manufacture: c. 1930 - 1950

Country of origin: England 

Material: enamelled steel

Dimensions: Width 21cm  Diameter 21cm  Height 48cm

Condition: good, with a few slight knocks and nibbles to the enamel; yet his adds to its character and is typical of enamel household items of this age.

Note: much "vintage enamel" popular today was, and still is, made in Poland - and some of it is not as old as it would appear.  This scuttle however was made in England and is a genuine early piece.