Pair of Antique Cast Iron Dachshund-Shaped Andirons/Fire Irons/Fire Dogs

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Andirons in various forms have existed for centuries. Over time some people began calling them fire dogs, because the shape … Read more Andirons in various forms have existed for centuries. Over time some people began calling them fire dogs, because the shape of their fronts were reminiscent of dogs sitting upright. It was only natural therefore that eventually Dachshund shaped andirons began being made in latter part of the nineteenth century; because Dachshunds were a familiar breed of dog, and their long bodies were the perfect shape for suspending the logs in a fireplace. Although it is difficult to say for certain, it is thought that the earliest Dachshund shaped fire dogs were those with open mouths, and that the later ones were made with closed mouths. There is documentation of some open-mouthed ones were made in 1870, so that tends to give credence to the belief that the older ones have open mouths.

This pair of Dachshund shaped antique cast iron fire dogs did their duty in my parents’ fireplace throughout the years until my 95-year-old father died last year. Now they are seeking a new home, where they can be loved and appreciated for their uniqueness, as they were for so many years with my parents. They have a lovely mixed patina of rusty brown and light gray from years of use with traces of the original black paint … character that they have acquired in the years of faithful duty as working fire dogs.

The exact age is unknown; but based upon the information we have, we believe they were made in the late 19th century or early 20th century. See less