Two Pieces of Antique Brass and Wrought Metal Hearthware

This lot consists of two items of traditional fireplace equipment, comprising a chestnut roaster and a decorative toasting fork. The circular chestnut roaster is constructed from sheet brass with a hinged lid featuring a series of concentric circular perforations for heat ventilation. It is fitted with a long, turned brass handle that ends in a flattened section with a circular suspension hole. The toasting fork features a three-pronged brass head attached to a dark wrought metal shaft. The handle is finished with a decorative cast brass finial depicting a stylized grotesque mask or character figure, possibly in the form of a caricature. No maker’s marks or inscriptions are visible on either item.