These little beauties are called veilleuse theieres a small tea pot on a base that has a candle or other fire source. Most date from 1750-1860's and most are porcelain and many are French or Italian objects.
To my delight I learned there is a tea pot museum in Trenton, TN just 126 miles from me so I hope Pink Boy will take me over there soon. Here is the link to learn more about these:
Trenton Teapot Museum
http://www.teapotcollection.com/285621.ihtml
I can just picture these in use in Marie Antoinette's time allowing the tea to be kept warm without having a servant run for hot water all the time.. Pretty yet practical just my thing.
They come up for auction sometimes and usually in$ 400 and up range!
Have a Pink day!
