Cast Iron Andirons, 1860-1869

01

Artifact Overview

These tall cast iron andirons -- with their double "stack" of church spires -- are the very definition of the Gothic Revival decorative style. The asymmetrical C scrolls at the center bottom derive from stained glass windows. This mixture of design elements are lifted from a medieval cathedral -- although nothing like them ever existed in the Middle Ages.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Andiron

Date Made

1860-1869

Creators

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

30.969.1

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Cast iron

Color

Black (Color)

Dimensions

Height: 23.375 in
Width: 11.0 in
Depth: 18.0 in

Inscriptions

3 SAVERY & CO. PHILADA / PATENTED APRIL 2, 1860 [stamped on reverse]
Cast Iron Andirons, 1860-1869