Massive Solid 20kg Antique Brass Fireplace Fender Deep Hearth Guard with Turned Spindle Balustrade, Stepped Plinth Base

This is a substantial, deeply proportioned fireplace fender formed in a long rectangular run with a pronounced return at each end, creating a generous three-sided surround that is ideal for framing a wide hearth and a large feature fireplace.

The overall design has a strong architectural presence, with a broad, stepped plinth base supporting an open balustrade gallery that runs along the front and continues around both sides. The balustrade is made up of evenly spaced turned spindle uprights, each with a rounded, tapered profile, giving it a refined, classical look while still feeling extremely robust and purposeful.

At each corner the fender is finished with a taller square pedestal block, rising above the rail and topped with an elegant spherical finial. These corner posts act as visual anchors, giving the piece a very balanced, symmetrical appearance and making the fender feel deliberately “built” rather than merely assembled. Between the corner posts, the upper rail is straight and clean-lined, with the spindles set neatly beneath it, and the lower section is more solid and weighty thanks to the substantial base moulding. This stepped base not only adds decorative depth, but also helps the fender sit confidently on the floor and gives it a pleasing sense of proportion, especially when viewed from the side.

Do not mistake this for one of the many similar fenders you’ll see online. This one is made of solid brass and is incredibly heavy. The brass finials are solid, not hollow, and the brass itself is thick throughout — not a thin brass casing wrapped around a cheaper metal core.

Underneath, there are metal strengthening lengths designed to add rigidity and hold the whole piece firmly together. It is built like a tank: very sturdy, very substantial, and far better made than the majority of examples you will come across. There are two newer longer bolts to the underside.

I would estimate it dates to around 1900, and I believe it is European rather than English. The construction and overall feel are not typically English — it has a different approach to build and finish, and a much more robust presence.

I’ve left it exactly as found, in its muted, darkened gold tone. Of course, it can be polished to a brighter finish, but current taste tends to favour this aged, organic patina — and the added bonus is that it doesn’t need cleaning, which is ideal.

The condition is close to excellent, with only a few light surface marks and no major dents or damage. To the inside trim on the backs, there is a small split on both sides, but in the wider scheme of things these are not particularly noticeable.

The shape is notably deep, with the side sections extending well back to provide a practical footprint, helping contain logs, ash and sparks whilst maintaining a smart, formal outline. The returns mirror the front, with matching turned balusters and the same stepped base profile, so the fender reads as a complete surround rather than a simple straight bar. The overall effect is a highly decorative yet functional piece, combining classical balustrade styling with strong, weight-bearing construction, and finished with handsome finials that provide a distinctive period look from every angle.

Please refer to the photographs for a closer look at the details and view the overall condition. Feel free to message with any questions.

Height 22 cm

Width 137 cm, internal 123 cm

Depth 47 cm, internal 40 cm

DELIVERY.

This product will be delivered by hand by a proper furniture courier.

Delivery is free to mainland England and Wales only.

There will be a cost anywhere else so please, contact us for a quote.

This will cost us between £60-80 to deliver, so if you wish collect from Lewes in East Sussex we will refund the saved courier charges.

The couriers will arrange a day and time window with you.

Delivery is to the fr