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Nothing is known about the origins of this wrought iron kettle tilter, or 'idleback', which would have hung from a chimney crane or hanger so that the kettle could be tipped without removing it from the fire.

1 kettle tilter: metal (wrought iron); good condition

MERL 'Catalogue index' card – 'Kettle tilters or IDLEBACKS hung from the chimney crane or hanger so that the kettle could be tipped without removing it from the fire. When the long handle is pushed down, the hooks which hold the kettle are tilted forward. The hook nearest the spout has a clip that keeps the handle of the kettle down while it is pouring. // This kettle tilter is made of wrought iron, and is quite plain in design.', Lavinia Smith No. 158, Lavinia Smith Catalogue (D60/28) - 'A list of the contents of the East Hendred museum. July 5 1940 // Heating and Cooking // 158. An "idleback" hanging on the crane and carrying a kettle which could be easily tipped by means of the long handle' (Appears to be recorded twice on two separate lists in her catalogue - perhaps one is the original list and the other is an updated version - either by Smith herself or Dorothy Rippon?), Lavinia Smith Catalogue (D60/28) - 'A list of the contents of the East Hendred museum. July 5 1940 // The Fire and Hearth // 2. "lazyback" for tipping the kettle easily .. Arthur Harrison' (Appears to be recorded twice on two separate lists in her catalogue - perhaps one is the original list and the other is an updated version - either by Smith herself or Dorothy Rippon?), Heritage of the Hendreds Exhibition 1969 - 'Catalogue of Exhibits // Number 67 // Idleback // Lent by Museum of English Rural Life'

Rippon, Miss Dorothy May Lyddon (Agent)
Harrison, Arthur