A fire dog is a heavy metal support placed inside a hearth to hold logs above the floor for better airflow. They often feature ornamental iron or brass fronts shaped as animals. Over time, these functional hearth items evolved into decorative pairs that matched the style of the fireplace mantel and fender.

How do I care for cold painted bronze?

Cold painted bronze requires gentle dusting with a soft, dry brush to preserve the delicate unbaked pigments on the surface. Avoid water, cleaning solutions, or polishing compounds entirely. Keep these small sculptures out of direct sunlight to prevent the painted surface colours from fading over the decades.

How do I identify spelter from bronze?

Spelter is noticeably lighter than bronze and has a softer composition that can sometimes show a grey or white metal beneath worn paint. Bronze offers a heavier weight and a warmer underlying metallic tone when patination wears thin. Magnetism does not help distinguish them, as neither alloy is magnetic, so reliance on weight and surface texture is key.

Where were car mascots placed?

Automotive mascots mounted directly onto the top of the radiator cap or the header tank of vintage motor cars. They served as personal ornaments for drivers during the motoring boom. Many of these metal dog figures now sit on desk stands or collectors' shelves away from their original vehicles.