First known from the late 17th century the brandy saucepan is sometimes referred to as a pannikin in old inventories and was used for warming brandy over a flame as well as for a variety of other purposes.
There are generally two varieties of brandy pans that are encountered. The first is circular and of baluster form with a wooden handle at right angles to the spout. The second main type has a relatively shallow cylindrical body with exerted lip and stands on a moulded foot.
Sizes can vary enormously with the majority being in the 100-300 ml capacity range. Notwithstanding saucepans can be found with a capacity of over a litre (1.75 UK pints). Although generally referred to as brandy pans it is clear that they were used for heating sauces and other food stuffs.
Sometimes examples in the later eighteenth century and nineteenth centuries can have detachable lids and occasionally of a later period they can be found with a burner.
At William Walter Antiques has a fine selection of Brandy Pans for sale at all periods.
