Entering one's home, what could be more welcoming than a fireplace glowing with warmth and light? The fireplace and its dressings are often the major focal
point in a room.
For centuries fireplaces have been furnished with all manner of andirons
to accommodate fuel. Andirons used in colonial America were crudely fashioned of iron.
As time past andirons evolved to a more sophisticated form made of brass. American
brass andirons were made primarily in foundries surrounding the metropolitan areas of
Philadelphia, New York City and Boston.
Period brass andirons are constructed of three or more sections. These sections(except the base section or feet) are hollow, cast in halves and are silver soldered
together. The soldered sections are then spun on a slow turn lathe to polish the sections.
The joint or seam can be easily seen by looking at the inside of the sections. The top
section has a threaded hole to accept a hand wrought rod which is peened over. The
plinths act as spacers to align the tops to the feet. The wrought rod also goes through the front edge of the andiron dog or billet bar which holds the burning fuel(wood). All sections
are combined to form the andiron.
Antique andirons add to the visual interest of fireplaces. Dressed with andirons, fenders, and other items, fireplaces are unique focal points and enhance the beauty of the surroundings.
Below are just a few items from our always evolving inventory. Click on the image for a larger view and call us for more information regarding a specific item.
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