Early Andirons

Function

• Andirons, which are used in pairs, keep the wood off the floor of a fireplace. They consist of a post in front with a long horizontal bar stretching out behind it. You stack the wood across the pair of horizontal bars. This allows air to circulate under the wood, helping the fire to burn better.

History

• People began using andirons in the 15th century. At that time, they were very simple---just a post and support---and usually made of iron. Over time, makers began to create andirons with hooks on the front posts, on which pots or spits for roasting meat could be hung. In the 18th century, andirons began to die out in England, because people turned to coal rather than wood for fuel. In the United States, though, the market for andirons grew.

Types

• Though iron remained common for the making of andirons through the late 18th and early 19th centuries, other materials began to be used. Andirons were also crafted from brass, steel and bronze. The front posts often were elaborate, with many featuring floral or finial designs. Some were crafted as gargoyles or animals, which may have led to the common British name for them---firedogs. Andiron feet sometimes had decorative touches, too, such as the claw feet often seen on furniture legs from the period.

Craftsmanship

• Genuine antique andirons showcase superior craftsmanship. In the 18th century, a pair of quality andirons could cost as much as a hand-carved mahogany cabinet. The posts for andirons were made in two sections and had to be joined. A good craftsman would make the seams as unnoticeable as possible.

  Care in craftsmanship is seen in the imaginative and intricate designs forged in the andirons. Good andirons were symmetrical and balanced, and the pair matched.

Considerations

• Several signs can tell you whether you've found genuine antique andirons or a more recently made knock-off. Look for evidence of use. Antique andirons show burn marks and other signs of wear. Look for tight fittings and care in craftsmanship. Early andirons were never painted. They'll be heavier than recently made andirons, and they may show signs of being handmade, such as slight variations in thickness or hammer marks in the iron. Some antique andirons have a manufacturer's stamp on them.