Fireplace shovel and tongs
Probably England
1785-1810
Measurements
Shovel, 34 in x 5-1/2 in x 1-3/4 in; tongs, 35-1/2 in x 2-3/4 in x 1-3/4 in
Materials
Bell metal (brass alloy) and iron
Credit Line
Historic Odessa Foundation, gift of H. Rodney Sharp
Accession Number
1958.3251
Provenance
Ex coll. H. Rodney Sharp
Comments
The fireplace shovel and tongs are made of iron with bell metal sleeve handles and hinge. Bell metal is similar to brass, being an allow of copper and tin, but it has a redder cast. The handles have prominent urns with smaller urns above and capped by acorn-like finials. Their design is very similar to that of a pair of andirons (accession no. 1958.3252), but whether they were made en suite is difficult to determine. The shafts of both tools have a decorative swelled section. The shovel flares at the end and is held to the shaft by four rivets, which may include later reinforcements.
