19th Century Iron Fireback of 17th Century Design

This is a Victorian reproduction of an early 17th century fireback.

The original would have been pressed into sand to create the mould and the molten metal poured over. This is how firebacks have been made since their earliest appearance in the 15th century. After the Great Fire of London, it was made mandatory to have a fire grate to contain the fire.

This fireback features two soldiers in Jacobean attire, a lion protects them from above, his head flanked by scrolls. The central column with leafy capital and entwined ivy leaf decoration.

In good order throughout, no weakness, extremely heavy and ready for use.