SPRING - SUMMER SALE
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Ask us about our
Custom Built Hearth Screens!
See our large collection of Antiques and treaures at
JGallagherantiques in Norwich, NY
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.