Like I said, it looks like a banjo but it isn't. It's a long thick, apparently strong wooden handle, about a metre in length and an inch thick, and then at the end of it there's a metal pan, I assume brass but not sure, round, about the size of a dinner plate or a medium pizza, with a hinged lid.
I have no idea what this thing is or what they used it for. Any ideas?
I think you mean one of these. It is a bed warmer. You put some coals in it to warm the bed. It goes under the covers and you warm things up. You then remove it before getting into the bed.
Perhaps a bed heater? I know they used to be quite common and took many forms - but usually had a closing pan that would be filled with coals, and placed under the covers for warmth.
Sounds like a chestnut roaster. Post a pic.