ANTIQUE & VINTAGE ANDIRONS
Andirons are used to hold the logs inside the fireplace. American made andirons evolved a much different design direction since the 1600's, as wood fuel which was plentiful here was all but gone in much of Europe.
Sturdy forged iron designs have been made in the US since the early days of colonization, when the fireplace was used for both cooking and heating. Since great big pieces of wood burn for a longer time, a substantial design was required to hold these large logs in place.
Brass andirons were made in America starting in the late 1600's for use in more formal rooms. Immediately following the American Revolution it was considered somewhat unpatriotic to import from England, though wealthy households did bring in many French designs. Between 1790 and 1810 there were many brass foundries established in the US manufacturing andirons in brass.
Short shank andirons, generally less than 8" long, were a more recent design popularized in London. Although most Londoners were burning coal or peat, the formal design of andirons still appealed to them in the Victorian era.
Cast iron became a preferred material during the Industrial Revolution, and continues to be popular today. Available in all styles imaginable, the Victorians had a field day with mass production of cast iron andirons, often using regional designs & patriotic styles to adorn andirons that are heavy duty enough to provide years - even centuries - of use with wood burning fireplaces.