To be sure, there are simple antique fire grates, but even those are far more than a grid of iron bars on legs. To understand why, you also have to understand that the function of the grate was more than just keeping the fire off the floor and allowing air to circulate. The fire grate also served the purpose of heat circulation, and of directing smoke up the flue. In some cases, it had to be made to fit an enormous opening, left over from a time when fireplaces had inglenooks and fender benches for sitting inside and keeping warm. Antique fire grates took their shape as much from their function as from the personal style of their owners.
As coal replaced wood, the types of antique fire grates changed. The earliest fire grates meant to be used with coal were simple metal baskets with openings in the floor to allow air to circulate. Generally known as dog grates, they are among the most popular antique fire grates today. The front legs (or 'dogs') became decorative accents with fanciful castings and carvings. The center basket supported the logs - and eventually was replaced by floors with smaller openings so that they could be used with mixed fuel - coal and/or wood.
Metal Saw
As the use of coal became more prevalent, antique fire grates acquired fire backs. Made of metal or fire clay tiles, the job of the fire back was to absorb and reflect heat back into the room rather than letting it spill up the flue and out into the cold outdoors. Artisans and crafters shaped and designed fire backs and grates that were decorative as well as useful. The design of the grates also changed, from the free standing dog grates to hob grates, which supported a coal basket between two metal hobs. The hobs might have been flat metal plates which could be used to heat kettles and saucepans, but as time went on, many manufacturers built elaborate hobs that held heat well enough to cook on or inside.
The 19th century saw the introduction of register grates, with controls to regulate the flow of air to the fire and the heat from the fire. Register grates are among the most ornate and beautiful of antique fire grates. Many are built as full fireplace inserts, and include hobs for cooking on, heating boxes for warming food and heat registers which can be opened and closed to increase the flow of heat into the room, as well as soot boxes that open from the front for easy cleaning. Fenders were commonly built into the register grates, and many were beautifully detailed with tiled cheeks that served the dual purpose of reflecting heat back into the room and adding a decorative touch to a utilitarian appliance.
If you are renovating a period building, keep in mind that many antique fire grates remained in use long after their 'period', much as many of today's 'modern' homes don't have the most up-to-date appliances. You don't need to limit your choices strictly to the most 'appropriate' appliances if your tastes dictate otherwise.
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Nov 27, 2011 16:33:05
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