Antique French Andirons.

A pair of 19th hand wrought iron chenets, as they were known in France, firedogs in England, or andirons in America. This heavy pair was originally used in a kitchen where andirons had to be constructed for heavy use. Since spit roasting was one of the chief ways of cooking meat, andirons such as this pair were provided with hooks on which the spits might be rested and so cook and keep the meat warm. This pair has three spit supports on the front of the post and an additional support on the back of the upright. The top supports have a beautiful shell detail. Both the feet and the shank have incised decorations. France, Ca. 1880.

Wrought Iron Chenets (No. C616). Dimensions: 17"H x 8.25"W x 14.5"D. Shipping: $25.