What defines Neo-Gothic fireplace accessories from the early 20th century?

Neo-Gothic fireplace accessories incorporate medieval and heraldic motifs, such as lions, roses, thistles, and portcullis lattice designs, inspired by the Gothic Revival movement.

How were traditional cast iron fire baskets constructed?

Traditional fire baskets were crafted by pouring molten iron into sand moulds, creating dense, heat-resistant components that were assembled using square bolts or interlocking lugs.

How can you identify authentic period cast iron fire grates?

Authentic period pieces feature crisp casting details in relief, substantial structural weight, subtle surface irregularities from sand casting, and historic seam joining methods.

How can a Neo-Gothic fire grate be styled in a modern interior?

Place the grate inside a restored open fireplace, or style it decoratively with birch logs, dried botanical displays, or pillar candles to create visual focal points.

How should cast iron fire grates be cleaned and preserved?

Brush away loose debris with a stiff bristle brush, remove surface oxidisation using fine wire wool, and apply dark iron wax or graphite polish to maintain the protective finish.

for sale €462 $502

£395

Yolanda Gray Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Aug 2010

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Yolanda Gray Antiques is a registered member of LAPADA CINOA

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Id #SA1189250

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Small Antique English 19th Century Style Neo Gothic Cast Iron Open Fire Grate / Log Basket / Fireplace (Circa 1920)

1900 - 1920

For Sale by Yolanda Gray Antiques

Description

Summary:

• Item: Neo-Gothic Fire Grate

• Circa: 1920

• Style: Neo-Gothic

• Provenance: England, UK

• Material: Cast Iron

• Width = 44cm / 17¼” / 1ft 5¼”

• Freestanding design

• Domed backplate

• Embossed lion, rose & thistle

• Four fixed block legs

• Removable grate

• No breaks / cracks

• Weight = 19kg

• Suitable for all fuel types

• Highly decorative

• Excellent condition

• Solid construction

• Excellent original colour & patination

• Free delivery to England, Wales & southern Scotland*

• 14-day free UK returns policy

Description:

This is a fine quality small English 19th century style neo-Gothic fire grate, made from solid cast iron, circa 1920, in excellent original condition. Benefitting from a freestanding design, this small fire basket is designed with a dome backplate embossed with an English lion, flanked by a Tudor rose and Scottish thistle.

The Tudor Rose is England's floral emblem, created by Henry VII to symbolize peace after the Wars of the Roses by uniting the red rose of Lancaster and the white rose of York, typically shown as a red rose with a white rose inside or superimposed. This iconic symbol represents the Tudor dynasty (1485-1603) and signifies unity.

The lion became England's symbol due to its adoption by Norman kings, notably Henry I and Henry II, evolving into the iconic three gold lions on a red background popularized by Richard the Lionheart (Richard I) in the 12th century, representing courage, royalty, and strength, and remaining a powerful emblem in English heraldry and national identity, especially for sports.

The Scottish thistle symbolises resilience, protection, pride, and defiance, stemming from a legend where its thorns alerted sleeping Scots to a surprise Norse attack, making it Scotland's national emblem. It represents the nation's ability to overcome adversity and embodies strength, with its motto meaning "No one provokes me without punishment".

The neo-Gothic fire grate features two tall square splayed finials at the rear, and two smaller splayed finials at the front. The block feet mirror the same splayed design. The small fire grate is constructed with a castellated basket, incorporating decorative riveted studs and splayed vertical spike bars for keeping the logs in place. The internal floor grate can be removed from the basket, allowing for easy cleaning. The fire dog basket can be used with either wood or coal. The log basket weights 19kg.

Condition Report:

The item is solid in joint and is robust. Nominal old use marks, but nothing significant considering the age of the item. There are no breaks to the cast iron. The internal grate floor is in good working condition. The grate features an attractive rustic finish, giving it a lovely colour and appearance. This log basket is reassuringly solid and heavy, and it is ready to use.

Price:

The price for this item is £395, which includes free delivery to mainland England, Wales & southern Scotland* and 14-day free UK returns.

Free UK Delivery*:

We offer free delivery to mainland England, Wales, and Southern Scotland (anywhere south of Stirling).

14-Day Free UK Returns & Refunds:

A 14-day free “no quibble” UK returns policy (from the date you receive the item) is available if you are not happy with this item. We will collect the item free of charge from you (we do not charge a return fee / collection fee).

International Buyers:

If you live outside the UK and you would like to purchase this item, please contact us before purchasing it, so that we can obtain an accurate shipping quote and delivery lead-time.

About the Seller:

This item is being sold by Yola Gray Antiques who is an accredited member of LAPADA and CINOA. Yola Gray has dealt in fine art and antique furniture for over 45 years.

Ref. 115859

Physical Dimensions

Height

34cm (13.39")

Width

44cm (17.32")

Depth

30cm (11.81")

Declaration

Yolanda Gray Antiques has dated this Gothic Cast Iron Fireplace Grate to the 1920s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1189250

Dealers Internal Reference

115859

Dealers Notes

Please contact us on 01829 458 070 or 07960 738 212 to arrange a viewing. Alternatively, please email: info@yolagray.com

Description

Summary:

• Item: Neo-Gothic Fire Grate

• Circa: 1920

• Style: Neo-Gothic

• Provenance: England, UK

• Material: Cast Iron

• Width = 44cm / 17¼” / 1ft 5¼”

• Freestanding design

• Domed backplate

• Embossed lion, rose & thistle

fig 1. A black cast iron fire grate featuring a relief-carved heraldic lion backplate and portcullis lattice front basket. — fig 1. Small Antique English 19th Century Style Neo Gothic Cast Iron Open Fire Grate / Log Basket / Fireplace (Circa 1920)

• Four fixed block legs

• Removable grate

• No breaks / cracks

• Weight = 19kg

• Suitable for all fuel types

• Highly decorative

• Excellent condition

• Solid construction

• Excellent original colour & patination

fig 2. A black cast iron fire grate featuring a relief-carved heraldic lion backplate and portcullis lattice front basket. — fig 2. Small Antique English 19th Century Style Neo Gothic Cast Iron Open Fire Grate / Log Basket / Fireplace (Circa 1920)

• Free delivery to England, Wales & southern Scotland*

• 14-day free UK returns policy

Description:

“

This is a fine quality small English 19th century style neo-Gothic fire grate, made from solid cast iron, circa 1920, in excellent original condition.

Yolanda Gray Antiques

Benefitting from a freestanding design, this small fire basket is designed with a dome backplate embossed with an English lion, flanked by a Tudor rose and Scottish thistle.

fig 3. A black cast iron fire grate featuring a relief-carved heraldic lion backplate and portcullis lattice front basket. — fig 3. Small Antique English 19th Century Style Neo Gothic Cast Iron Open Fire Grate / Log Basket / Fireplace (Circa 1920)

The Tudor Rose is England's floral emblem, created by Henry VII to symbolize peace after the Wars of the Roses by uniting the red rose of Lancaster and the white rose of York, typically shown as a red rose with a white rose inside or superimposed. This iconic symbol represents the Tudor dynasty (1485-1603) and signifies unity.

fig 4. A black cast iron fire grate featuring a relief-carved heraldic lion backplate and portcullis lattice front basket. — fig 4. Small Antique English 19th Century Style Neo Gothic Cast Iron Open Fire Grate / Log Basket / Fireplace (Circa 1920)

The lion became England's symbol due to its adoption by Norman kings, notably Henry I and Henry II, evolving into the iconic three gold lions on a red background popularized by Richard the Lionheart (Richard I) in the 12th century, representing courage, royalty, and strength, and remaining a powerful emblem in English heraldry and national identity, especially for sports.

fig 5. A black cast iron fire grate featuring a relief-carved heraldic lion backplate and portcullis lattice front basket. — fig 5. Small Antique English 19th Century Style Neo Gothic Cast Iron Open Fire Grate / Log Basket / Fireplace (Circa 1920)

The Scottish thistle symbolises resilience, protection, pride, and defiance, stemming from a legend where its thorns alerted sleeping Scots to a surprise Norse attack, making it Scotland's national emblem. It represents the nation's ability to overcome adversity and embodies strength, with its motto meaning "No one provokes me without punishment".

fig 6. A black cast iron fire grate featuring a relief-carved heraldic lion backplate and portcullis lattice front basket. — fig 6. Small Antique English 19th Century Style Neo Gothic Cast Iron Open Fire Grate / Log Basket / Fireplace (Circa 1920)

The neo-Gothic fire grate features two tall square splayed finials at the rear, and two smaller splayed finials at the front. The block feet mirror the same splayed design. The small fire grate is constructed with a castellated basket, incorporating decorative riveted studs and splayed vertical spike bars for keeping the logs in place. The internal floor grate can be removed from the basket, allowing for easy cleaning. The fire dog basket can be used with either wood or coal. The log basket weights 19kg.

fig 7. A black cast iron fire grate featuring a relief-carved heraldic lion backplate and portcullis lattice front basket. — fig 7. Small Antique English 19th Century Style Neo Gothic Cast Iron Open Fire Grate / Log Basket / Fireplace (Circa 1920)

Condition Report:

The item is solid in joint and is robust. Nominal old use marks, but nothing significant considering the age of the item. There are no breaks to the cast iron. The internal grate floor is in good working condition. The grate features an attractive rustic finish, giving it a lovely colour and appearance. This log basket is reassuringly solid and heavy, and it is ready to use.

fig 8. A black cast iron fire grate featuring a relief-carved heraldic lion backplate and portcullis lattice front basket. — fig 8. Small Antique English 19th Century Style Neo Gothic Cast Iron Open Fire Grate / Log Basket / Fireplace (Circa 1920)

Price:

The price for this item is £395, which includes free delivery to mainland England, Wales & southern Scotland* and 14-day free UK returns.

Free UK Delivery*:

We offer free delivery to mainland England, Wales, and Southern Scotland (anywhere south of Stirling).

fig 9. A black cast iron fire grate featuring a relief-carved heraldic lion backplate and portcullis lattice front basket. — fig 9. Small Antique English 19th Century Style Neo Gothic Cast Iron Open Fire Grate / Log Basket / Fireplace (Circa 1920)

14-Day Free UK Returns & Refunds:

A 14-day free “no quibble” UK returns policy (from the date you receive the item) is available if you are not happy with this item. We will collect the item free of charge from you (we do not charge a return fee / collection fee).

fig 10. A black cast iron fire grate featuring a relief-carved heraldic lion backplate and portcullis lattice front basket. — fig 10. Small Antique English 19th Century Style Neo Gothic Cast Iron Open Fire Grate / Log Basket / Fireplace (Circa 1920)

International Buyers:

If you live outside the UK and you would like to purchase this item, please contact us before purchasing it, so that we can obtain an accurate shipping quote and delivery lead-time.

About the Seller:

This item is being sold by Yola Gray Antiques who is an accredited member of LAPADA and CINOA. Yola Gray has dealt in fine art and antique furniture for over 45 years.

Ref. 115859