Who made this, what is it and how was it used?

Lee R
by Lee R
We just got this item and are not sure what it was used to serve. It has a pineapple finial on top and insert on spout handle that appears to be Bakelite. It is mArked on the bottom with what looks like CF 3 PI 114. It has lion heads attaching last and to pot, ram handles and a burner. It is a real mystery!!
We just got this item and are not sure what it was used to serve. It has a pineapple finial on top and insert on spout handle that appears to be Bakelite. It is mArked on the bottom with what looks like CF 3 PI 114. It has lion heads attaching last and to pot, ram handles and a burner.
  12 answers
  • Dianne H Dianne H on Sep 06, 2014
    It looks like a coffee urn my mother-in-law had. She entertained a lot when my father-in-law was in the military. The bottom part could hold sterno to keep the coffee warm.
  • Chris aka monkey Chris aka monkey on Sep 06, 2014
    pFrench 1900 silver samovar by Georges Falkenberg 4326 : Atena Gallery :French Antiques and Decorative Arts in Parisost...
  • Chris aka monkey Chris aka monkey on Sep 06, 2014
    the above post is what i came up with that is a close yours is way more decorative..i think it is worth a trip to an antique dealer good luck xx
  • Lee R Lee R on Sep 10, 2014
    Thanks for your answers, but I would really like to know more about this piece.
  • CzeglĂ©di Kata CzeglĂ©di Kata on Sep 11, 2014
    Russa "szamovár" tea-making!!!
  • Opal Opal on Sep 11, 2014

    Samovars have been used all over the world for centuries and are still used today. Google "samovar photos" and ebay. There original function is to heat water for tea, later they were used to keep drinks warm. You're right, the warmer is for oil. Older style coffee percolators were an "imitation" of these. In the late 20th century (1970's ish) there was a big reproduction of these but were mostly electric. It is definitely triple silver plated (3pl). Make sure you get more than one opinion on this because opinions vary and I don't think this is a reproduction and it appears in darn good shape. Again, I get can't a good look, this is just my best guess. Lets know with an update.

  • Robin Dowden Robin Dowden on Sep 11, 2014
    It is called a Samovar and I have one that I bought at an antique auction in London 15 years ago. Mine is copper and it is appraised at $500 which is what I paid for it 15 years ago. Mine came from Russia and it was used to heat tea water, or coffee drinks or whatever they were serving warm. That is what the spout is for. It looks like you have either a date or signature engraved and you should be able to goggle it for more info or take it to a antique dealer. Because of the $ not being very strong and copper not as valuable my samovar is worth what I paid for it. I was collecting copper pieces at that time so I would suggest you to just enjoy it and if it is in good condition use it. Great conversation piece.
  • Claire M Claire M on Jan 04, 2015
    I would see if I could get a free appraisal from an Atlanta antiques dealer to get an accurate answer.
  • Kayo Frazier Kayo Frazier on Jan 05, 2015
    At first glance what immediately came to mind was a hot chocolate, or mulled cider urn. I agree w/ others above on going to an antiques dealer for more information & an appraisal to find out what it's worth is.
  • Alison Savill Alison Savill on May 19, 2018

    It’s a samovar a tea urn

  • Alison Savill Alison Savill on May 19, 2018

    There worth quite a bit of money

  • Alison Savill Alison Savill on May 19, 2018

    Looks regency to me