Fireplace Andirons make a beautiful addition to any fireplace as well as adding function. Brass andirons contain the burning logs as well as add draft to ensure proper burning.
Sizing Andirons
Sizing your brass andirons is a simple procedure. Measure the firebox front to back and check the dimensions of the andirons to make sure they will fit in with 2-4 inches of clearance.
About Andirons
The word andiron derives from the combination of
the 13th-century word for iron and the Celtic word for young animal.
This is believed to given the term firedogs. Andirons were often made
with quite elaborate decorations with animals being the theme mainly
cats and owls. Andirons, were first used sometime in the 14th century.
Their function was to create airflow so the logs would not smother the
tinder. Before we could turn the gas valve to light the logs,
we had to start the fire with kindling. Placing heavy logs directly
onto the starter fire smothers it. Andirons keep the logs elevated
from the kindling allowing air flow so the kindling will burn and catch
the logs. The logs will then burn apart forming coals which drop down
below the andirons forming a coal bed. Simply stack more logs on the
andirons and you have a great fire for the evening. Andirons are
made mainly from iron or brass. They range from elaborate to plain.
Andirons have three legs. Two of the legs hold up the decorative
posts, known as guards, and the third extends from the back which hold
up the logs. The guards are usually shaped as animals, or as a post
and ball. However, many other styles are available. Andirons
were also used for cooking. A bar would be placed across the two
guards for a spit or for hanging kettles. Other andirons have hooks
for supporting a spit or kettles. Some andirons have built in bowls
for stews. The andiron was very important in its time. Today
you will probably never cook a meal on your andirons, however, they
still have their purpose for starting and maintaing the fire. They
always add decor to your firebox especially in the summer months when
the firplace is not in use.
