Antique Andiron logo

SPRING - SUMMER SALE
FREE SHIPPING and two cans of our fine polish on purchases over $1400 (through September 30, 2023).

Footman

The footman is a metal stand, usually of polished steel or brass, originally for keeping pots and dishes hot on a kitchen fireplace hearth, when cooking by open flame was common. The heavy brass British ones were made of heavy cast brass, bell metal or iron and were used to step up into carriages, hence the term "footman". Hearth footman were produced in England and America between 1810-1890. They were architecturally constructed with four legs, two turned legs in the rear and two cabriole legs in the front. Their flat work surface on top ranges between 15 to 20 inches wide and deep.

American hearth footmen were made of lighter weight brass or iron and were embellished with hand engravings. Today a footman can add a very distinctive look to fireplace hearths and to room settings where they are used as small portable tables near chairs and sofas.

Here are just a few of the Footman we have available. If you don't see one you like, feel free to contact us to inquire if we can find the one you're looking for.

  • Date: Circa 1850 Item Number: FOOT01 Material: Brass
  • Date: Circa 1850 Item Number: FOOT02 Material: Bell Metal
  • Date: Circa 1850 Item Number: FOOT03 Material: Brass
  • Date: Circa 1850 Item Number: FOOT04 Material: Engraved Iron
See our specials page for this custom built blowpipe!