Ever since humanity moved into temperate climates, we have faced the problem of how to keep warm in the winter. Our extremities are especially challenging. Throughout history, people have come up with various types of foot warmers, and many of the old types are collectible today. One of the most popular types among collectors has a small wooden frame and punched tin panels.

The example shown here, measuring 6 by 10 1/2 inches, sold for $53 at Strawser Auction Group. One panel is hinged on one side, so it opens like a door, and an open metal container inside the box is filled with hot coals. The box would rest on the floor, and a sitter would place their feet on or near it and cover their legs with a blanket to trap the heat. Women may not have needed blankets; their long skirts would have served a similar purpose.

While the use of a heater covered with a cloth to trap the heat has appeared all around the world, including the brasero in Spain, korsi in Iran and nearby Central Asian countries, and kotatsu in Japan, this type of foot warmer is particular to the Netherlands and northern Germany. Immigrants from these regions brought them to the United States in the 18th and 19th centuries.

A portable version with a wire handle on top, like the one pictured here, was often used for traveling in sleighs or carriages. Punched tin was especially popular in American decorative arts from about 1830 to 1860, which may help date an antique foot warmer. Punching tiny holes in the tin panels allows heat to escape. The perforations were often made in patterns or simple shapes. Heart shapes were apparently a favorite design.

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Q: I have a small collection of wildlife prints by various artists. Can you tell me how I can find out if they are worth anything?

A: The first step to evaluating a print is determining if it is an original or a reprint. The easiest way to do this is to look for copyright information, particularly the date and the name of the printing company. If this is on the print, you can usually look it up online. If not, a local art museum or art gallery may be able to help you. Unless they are very early or a limited edition, reprints are usually worth little.

If you have an original artist-signed print, it may be very valuable. There are several online databases like Artnet and Artbnk that have price guides to famous artists. Again, a library or art museum in your area may subscribe to them or may have printed copies of similar directories. If you know the artist is American, the Smithsonian American Art Museum online inventory may have helpful information.

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TIP: Wooden boxes, toys, or decoys should not be kept on the fireplace mantel or nearby floor areas when the fire is burning. The heat dries the wood and the paint. Unprotected wooden items on warm TV sets and stereos may also be damaged.

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Kovels answers readers’ questions sent to the column. Send a letter with one question describing the size, material (glass, pottery) and what you know about the item. Include only two pictures: the object and a close-up of any marks or damage. Be sure your name and return address are included. By sending a question, you give full permission for use in any Kovel product. Names, addresses or email addresses will not be published. We do not guarantee the return of photographs, but if a stamped envelope is included, we will try. Questions that are answered will appear in Kovels Publications. Write to Kovels, (Name of this newspaper), King Features Syndicate, 300 W. 57th Street, 41st Floor, New York, NY 10019, or email us at collectorsgallery@kovels.com.

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CURRENT PRICES

Current prices are recorded from antiques shows, flea markets, sales and auctions throughout the United States. Prices vary in different locations because of local economic conditions.

Postcard, Valentine, woman’s face over large red heart, playing cards, shaded green ground, silver lettering, To My Valentine, Queen of my Heart, Fortune Valentine Series, divided back, cancelled, 1912, $10.

Limoges, trinket box, heart shape, hinged lid, allover gilt, painted swirls, blue ribbon bow, painted chocolates on interior, With Love, 2 inches, $65.

Compact, silver, square, engraved vertical panels, flower trim, interior mirror, powder screen, puff, marked, Elgin American, 2 1/2 inches, $95.

Clothing, kimono, silk, jacquard, pink, allover large butterflies, green lining, Japan, c. 1920, $145.

Clock, advertising, Orange Crush, shaded orange ground, green numerals and dot indices, Taste Orange Crush, flower cluster, lights up, Dualite, 15 1/2 inches, $170.

Typewriter, L.C. Smith, Corona Sterling, black, carrying case, lock and keys, c. 1940, 13 x 13 x 6 inches, $250.

Toy, car, racing, driver in seat, silver, red trim, moving pistons, cast iron, replaced tires, Hubley, 11 inches, $300.