Seems that the original meaning of the word ‘kettle’ is ‘deep container for cooking or serving food’ and there are plenty of references to food being cooked in kettles from days gone by. In modern times though it’s usually water in the kettle rather than food, and we have a nice version here in the collection which we can call a camping or tea kettle. We suspect this fine wee kettle is both, and is a lovely illustration of days gone by. The little perforated, cylindrical item is for loose tea, it’s then submerged in the kettle to infuse. The interesting bit is that this kettle can be sealed at the top and at the spout with brass screws, and any tea left over can be carried for a refreshing drink during the day. Nowadays we chuck excess tea away and buy a bottle of iced tea from the supermarket!