Historical information

Firedogs is the common name for andirons and Chenets and have been in use since ancient Greek times.

Firedogs are the decorative metal supports or stands that hold logs in a fireplace, allowing air to circulate around the fire to keep it burning, and preventing logs from rolling out of the fireplace. They are usually made of metal, cast iron or steel, but are sometimes ceramic. They have two feet joined across the front and one at the back.

Some firedogs, mainly for kitchen use, were plain with forked uprights so that a bar could rest between them on which a cooking pot or a roasting spit could hang. Some firedogs are made in the likeness of animals, shields, crosses, figures and keys.

Significance

This pair of firedogs are representative of the firedogs that were common to domestic use in previous centuries when home heating and cooking were only possible with open fires.

Physical description

Firedogs or andirons, pair of two decorative cast iron log supports for use in a fireplace hearth.