American Empire brass andirons date to c. 1847-1850. The brass uprights feature small elongated ball-shaped finials with ring-turnings. The top finials surmount larger elongated ball-shaped finials with ring-turnings that surmount octagonal-shaped columns supported by raised scroll bases on ball feet and a wrought iron back for holding logs.
This pair of American Empire brass andirons feature large turned finials with a mushroom cap. The finials surmount small canisters with turnings at the top and base. The uprights are supported by raised scroll bases on ball feet and a wrought iron back for holding logs.
Fabricated from wood, leather and brass; like many residential bellows it is decorated. This one has a hand-painted compote with fruit and foliate décor on a black background.
The brazier brazier is an iron grate with five horizontal bars on the front and elevated above the hearth of the fireplace with a flat iron frame decorated with low-relief tall urns with reeded bodies and acanthus foliate. The elevation aids in the circulation of air, feeding oxygen to the fire.
Framed rectangular needlework, top crest slightly scalloped with hand grip. Inner frame edge scalloped. Needlework picture: Parrot in red, gold, blues, cream, small silver bead for eye, sitting among flowers including red, white, pink, roses, blue mornin
Provenance
Alexander Speer (James Buchanan's maternal first cousin)
Black cast-iron firebacks. Two sides curved out. Six repeated panels of foliate-like design. Two shorter front side panels also have small wreath molded above.