What is a brass footman used for?

A footman acts as a small metal table placed near the hearth to keep kettles or plates warm by the fire. They were common in nineteenth-century homes and combine brass plates with sturdy iron or steel legs.

How do I identify a Victorian fire screen?

Victorian fire screens use brass frames to hold stained glass, metal mesh, or decorative panels. They protected occupants from the intense heat of the open fire. Styles range from Gothic Revival to Rococo and Empire revivals depending on the manufacturing period.

What materials make up these companion sets?

Companion sets combine brass stands and tool handles with iron or steel shafts. This mixed-metal construction provided the necessary strength for daily tending of the hearth. Finishes include solid cast brass and painted metal details.

Are trivets and kettle stands the same thing?

Trivets and kettle stands serve the same purpose of holding vessels near the fire. Many pieces in the selection are catalogued interchangeably under both names. They feature one or two tiers of brass construction often supported by iron legs.