Andirons
Probably New York, New York
1760-1780
Measurements
24-1/4 in x 13-1/4 in x 19-1/2 in
Materials
Brass and iron
Credit Line
Historic Odessa Foundation, gift of H. Rodney Sharp
Accession Number
1958.3215
Condition Notes
Originally peened onto the iron post, the flame is now threaded into place. The very good condition of the billet bars, the slightly higher dimension of the rear leg or upright (making the andirons lean forward slightly at the top, and the removal of the peened parts suggest that the billet bars are replacements.
Provenance
Ex coll. H. Rodney Sharp
Comments
These striking andirons capture the intricacies of reflected light. The uppermost element, a swirled flame is above a faceted ball. Below, a swirled or spiral baluster is atop a plinth. The cabriole legs with ball-and-claw feet feature upturned spurs at the knee.
Although none of these andiron style is signed by the maker, several examples survive with New York family provenances, suggesting a place of origin.
