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Antique Andirons

Andirons are constructed of metal to hold flaming firewood slightly above the firebox floor to improve fireplace draw and ventilation. They typically stand upon two front legs connected to a central iron shaft, called a "dog" or "billet bar" which has a bent end to form the back foot. The andiron dogs or billet bars keep the flaming logs in the firebox of the fireplace as they burn and settle. For centuries fireplaces have been furnished with all manner of andirons, with antique andirons adding to the visual interest of today's fireplaces.

Andirons used in colonial America were crudely fashioned of iron by local blacksmiths. 18th and 19th century andirons were constructed of three or more sections. These sections (except the base or feet) were hollow, cast in halves and silver soldered together. The soldered sections were then spun in a slow turn lathe to smooth and polish the sections. The joints (seams) could be easily seen by looking inside the various sections. The top section had a threaded hole to accept a hand wrought threaded rod. The rod was inserted through a centered hole in the feet and iron dog or billet bar (logs are placed on this to be burned). When this rod was peened over, it stabilized and tied all these parts together. Inserting the plinth section, between the top and peened base, forms the finished andiron and made it ready to support the logs for a fire.

A well appointed fireplace, dressed with andirons, fenders, and other items, is a unique focal point and enhances the beauty of your surroundings. On this page are just a few of the antique andirons from our always evolving inventory. Feel free to contact us for more information regarding a specific item, either one of the ones shown here, or a piece you're having difficulty finding. Chances are we have it, or can locate it for you.

  • Date: Circa 1830 Item Number: AND38 Dimensions: 21½" H X 21½" D
  • Date: Circa 1800 Item Number: AND51 Dimensions: 19"H X 19"D
  • Date: Circa 1830 (signed) Item Number: AND59 Dimensions: 11½"H X 23½"D
  • Date: Circa 1800 Item Number: AND61 Dimensions: 21½"H X 21"D
  • Date: Circa 1830 Item Number: AND64 Dimensions: 18½"H X 20"D
  • Date: Circa 1830 Item Number: AND78 Dimensions: 14½"H X 25"D
  • Date: Circa 1800 Item Number: AND80 Dimensions: 17"H X 17"D
  • Date: Circa 1800 Item Number: AND81 Dimensions: 15½"H X 21"D
  • Date: Circa 1800 Item Number: AND82 Dimensions: 19"H X 19"D
  • Date: Circa 1800 Item Number: AND83 Dimensions: 18"H X 23"D
  • Date: Circa 1830 Item Number: AND84 Dimensions: 21"H X 20"D
  • Date: Circa 1800 Item Number: AND87 Dimensions: 21"H X 21"D
  • Date: Circa 1830 Item Number: AND95 Dimensions: 18"H X 19½"D
  • Date: circa 1800 Item Number: And97 Dimensions: 181/2"H X 21"D
  • Date: circa 1800 Item Number: And99 Dimensions: 24"H X 21"D
  • Date: circa 1800 Item Number: And100 Dimensions: 25"H X 24"D
  • Date: circa 1800 Item Number: And101 Dimensions: 21"H X 21 1/2"D
  • Date: circa 1830 Item Number: And102 Dimensions: 19"H X 17"D
  • Date: circa 1830 Item Number: And103 Dimensions: 21"H X 20 1/2"D
  • Date: circa 1830 Item Number: And104 Dimensions: 20 1/2" X 25"D
  • Date: circa 1800 Item Number: And105 Dimensions: 18"H X 19 1/2"D
  • Date: circa 1830 Item Number: And106 Dimensions: 17 1/2"H X 19"D
  • Date: circa 1830 Item Number: And107 Dimensions: 12 1/2"H X 24"D
  • Date: circa 1800 Item Number: And108 Dimensions: 23"H X 22 1/2"D
  • Date: circa 1830 Item Number: And109 Dimensions: 23"H X 23"D
  • Date: circa 1830 Item Number: And110 Dimensions: 15"H X 19"D
  • Date: circa 1830 Item Number: And111 Dimensions: 18"H X 16"D
  • Date: circa 1750 Item Number: And112 Dimensions: 13"H X 12"D
  • Date: circa 1830 Item Number: And113 Dimensions: 16"H X 16"D
  • Date: circa 1830 Item Number: And114 Dimensions: 17"H X 15"D
  • Date: circa 1830 Item Number: And115 Dimensions: 21"H X 20 1/2"D
  • Date: C.1790-1800 Item number: And117 Dimensions:20"HX26"D
  • Date: Circa 1800 Item Number: And118 Dimensions: 19"H X 23"D
  • Date: circa 1790-1800 Item Number: And119 Dimensions:19"H X 22"D
 
See our specials page for this custom built blowpipe!