How many tools are in a set?

Three is the near-universal count: poker, shovel and tongs, listed as a set of three, a trio or a triple companion. Four-piece sets appear occasionally, but they're the exception across both sold and current stock.

What's the difference between fire irons and a companion set?

Fire irons are the tools on their own, leaning on a rest or standing loose. A companion set is the same tools supplied on their own stand. Both terms are common in titles. Irons appears in 48, companion in 42.

Which metals turn up most?

Brass and steel account for almost everything. Brass is named in more titles than any other material, steel comes second, and 15 titles name both metals in the same set. Iron is a smaller strand, mostly wrought, and it covers the estate-made, inglenook and French pieces. Brass Victorian sets are the largest single group and the bulk of current stock.

Are these sets ever signed by a maker?

Makers barely feature. Titles are dominated by material and period words rather than names, and the category carries no maker attributions on Sellingantiques. What identifies a set is metal, form and dating: brass or steel, irons or companion, Victorian or George III.

What are fire dogs used for?

Fire dogs, also called andirons, are paired stands for the hearth. In this category they frequently double as rests for the tools. They make up about a tenth of listings and are sold as pairs, often alongside a set of irons.

How old are most of these?

Dealer-entered dates run from 1750 to 1930. Loose descriptions dominate: 19th century, Victorian and 1800s together cover more listings than any decade. Where decades are given, the 1860s lead, then the 1850s, 1890s and 1880s. The 18th century and Georgian labels appear in smaller numbers, and two sampled titles reach back to the 16th century, one an andiron dated 1580.

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Antique Fire Tools

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Poker, shovel and tongs for an open hearth, sold as a matched set in brass, steel or iron, either loose as fire irons or standing on their own companion stand.