The Nuremberg Stove is an adaptation of "The Nurnberg Stove" published in the book Bimbi in 1882. A biography of Ouida, the pen name of Marie Louise de la Ramee, notes that her stories were written to entertain the grandson of an Italian nobleman, which is likely since she lived in Florence.

This charming play shows a poverty-stricken father and his four daughters with only one proud possession—a beautiful antique stove made by the master craftsman Augustin Hirschvogel. The self-appointed guardian of the stove is Tina. She feeds it, hugs it, talks to it—and calls it "Hirschvogel." Life is hard for the family, and the father, in desperation, sells the stove. All his daughters are heartbroken, but Tina is devastated. It isn't her nature, however, to sit in a corner and cry. What Tina does about her beloved stove provides a fast-moving, suspenseful play with the kind of tenderness, humor, and optimistic determination that leave audiences warm-hearted and smiling—and perhaps a little stronger in family spirit than when they arrived.

The long 1-act in 4 scenes is recommended for child and adult audiences. Set and costumes may be authentically detailed for the Tyrol in the 1840's or simple suggestions of reality. The appendix gives an easy, inexpensive way to construct Hirschvogel.

See also: Foreign Flavor