I've seen a few fireplace coal burning baskets for sale online. Some were sort of local to me. One was a bargain price but I don't have a fireplace. All the rest were crazy money. Like Paul sez, I believe they go back to the Victorian era.
Quite some years ago I looked far and long for some cannel (candle) coal. None to be found. I recall a forum member getting some in the eastern edge of the old, best, PA. bituminous deposits. It seems that most cannel coal in the US, from Pa. to Ky. was mined out back in 1800's when it was used to produce public lighting gas and also for fireplaces.
The 2022/23 heating season begins!
