What tools are in a companion set?

A traditional set typically contains a shovel for clearing ash, a poker for adjusting fuel, and tongs for moving logs or coal. These three implements are designed to hang from a dedicated stand or rest neatly beside the fireplace enclosure.

How do I date a brass companion set?

Dating relies on stylistic clues such as the presence of Rococo Revival scrolls or Arts and Crafts simplicity, alongside material combinations like brass paired with forged steel. Earlier eighteenth-century examples lean towards heavier steel integration, while Victorian and Edwardian suites often feature brighter polished brass and cast decorative handles.

Are brass fire tools strong enough for use?

Period fire tools combine brass handles and decorative elements with robust internal steel shafts to handle daily tending. While the exterior displays polished brass, the working ends are forged from iron or steel to withstand the heat and weight of solid fuel fires.

What are fire dogs used for?

Fire dogs sit within the hearth to elevate logs off the floor, allowing air to circulate beneath the fire for better combustion. They frequently match the companion set in material and style, creating a unified appearance across the fireplace surround.