19th Century English Brass & Iron Horse Motif Andirons with Removable Chain

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19th Century English Brass & Iron Horse Motif Andirons with Removable Chain

This refined pair of 19th-century English andirons exemplifies … Read more 19th Century English Brass & Iron Horse Motif Andirons with Removable Chain

This refined pair of 19th-century English andirons exemplifies the restrained craftsmanship and quiet authority associated with traditional English country house interiors. Constructed primarily of forged iron for durability and heat resistance, the surfaces were carefully finished and selectively blackened, allowing the sculptural horse heads to read with depth rather than overt shine. The restrained modeling reflects hand-finishing rather than factory excess, with subtle tool marks visible beneath the patina—an indicator of period workmanship.

The brass elements, including the removable chain and collars, were likely lathe-turned and then hand-polished, creating a gentle contrast to the darker iron without overwhelming it. Rather than high Victorian exuberance, the design favors proportion, weight, and balance—qualities valued in country estates where objects were expected to age gracefully and serve both functional and aesthetic roles. The horse motif, a long-standing symbol of landownership and rural tradition, is treated here with understatement, avoiding theatrical flourish.

The removable brass chain allows flexibility in placement while maintaining visual cohesion across the hearth. Substantial yet elegant, these andirons would have been equally at home in a manor library, hunting lodge, or formal drawing room.

Dimensions:
Each andiron: 22" D × 17.5" H × 5" W
Brass chain: 24" L
Overall width: approx. 26" to 31" (as presented with the chain, either 26" wide or 31" wide when fully extended) See less