£395.00
An elegant and decorative set of three Edwardian steel fireside tools, comprising a long-handled poker, pierced coal shovel and a pair of fire tongs, dating to the early 20th century.
An elegant and decorative set of three Edwardian steel fireside tools, comprising a long-handled poker, pierced coal shovel and a pair of fire tongs, dating to the early 20th century.
Beautifully proportioned and retaining an attractive naturally aged steel finish, the set combines slender turned stems, decorative finials and restrained ornamental detailing characteristic of the Edwardian period.
Although not originally manufactured as a complete matching set, the three pieces have been carefully brought together and complement one another particularly well.
The poker and shovel feature matching decorative handles and turned steel stems, while the tongs are of a slightly different design, incorporating an attractive central circular ornament and elegantly shaped double arms.
Their similar silver-grey finish, natural patination and harmonious proportions create a cohesive appearance, making them particularly suitable for use beside an antique fireplace or within a traditional country house interior.
The long-handled steel poker is distinguished by its slender, elegant proportions and beautifully turned decorative handle.
The upper section terminates in a broad, flattened mushroom-shaped finial, beneath which are a series of decorative collars and rounded baluster-shaped details.
The elongated steel stem incorporates a further turned knop approximately midway along its length, providing an attractive visual break in the otherwise restrained design.
The lower section finishes in a traditional flattened fire poker blade, suitable for tending and repositioning logs or coals within a fireplace.
The steel retains a beautifully aged finish, with areas of darker patination and historic surface wear.
The matching shovel features the same decorative handle and turned stem as the poker, creating a particularly attractive pair.
Its long, slender steel shaft terminates in a broad, gently curved shovel head with raised sides.
The centre of the shovel incorporates an elaborate pierced decorative motif, combining scrolling forms and a symmetrical ornamental design.
This openwork decoration is particularly appealing, providing an additional level of craftsmanship and visual interest.
The shovel head retains a darker patinated finish, contrasting beautifully with the brighter areas of the steel handle.
Its generous proportions make it both a decorative and practical fireside accessory.
The accompanying fire tongs are of a complementary Edwardian design, rather than an exact match to the poker and shovel.
They feature long, slender double steel arms, gently shaped at the upper section to form an elegant looped arrangement.
At the centre is a circular decorative plate with a rounded central boss, positioned beneath a turned handle with a small finial.
The double arms incorporate decorative ringed collars and extend downwards to form the gripping ends.
The tongs retain an attractive aged steel finish consistent with the other two pieces.
There is a small split or area of damage to the central decorative circular plate, clearly visible in the accompanying photographs.
This is a historic cosmetic imperfection and does not affect the operation of the tongs, which remain fully functional.
All three pieces retain an appealing naturally aged steel finish, displaying a combination of muted silver-grey tones, darker areas of oxidation and surface wear associated with age and use.
The variation in the metalwork gives the set a wonderfully authentic appearance.
Although the individual pieces were not all manufactured together, their similar patination helps create a harmonious and well-balanced arrangement.
The steel has not been brought to a highly polished modern finish, allowing the historic character of the metalwork to remain visible.
Dating provisionally to the Edwardian period, circa 1900–1910, these fireside tools reflect the restrained elegance and decorative metalworking traditions of the early 20th century.
The turned baluster handles, elongated proportions and ornamental detailing are characteristic of fireside accessories produced for well-appointed domestic interiors during this period.
Such tools were both functional household necessities and decorative elements, frequently displayed beside substantial fireplaces in drawing rooms, libraries and entrance halls.
The present set is particularly appealing for the matching poker and shovel, together with the complementary decorative tongs.
Presented in good antique condition overall, with age-related surface wear, patination, minor marks and areas of oxidation consistent with historic use.
The poker and shovel have matching handles and decorative detailing.
The fire tongs are of a different but complementary design and are not an original match to the other two pieces.
The central decorative circular plate on the tongs has a visible split or area of damage. This does not affect their operation, and the tongs remain fully functional.
The shovel retains its decorative pierced openwork design, while the poker and shovel show the expected wear associated with traditional fireside use.
Please refer to the detailed photographs, which form an important part of the condition description.
This elegant set would make a particularly attractive addition to a traditional open fireplace, period drawing room, country house library or cottage interior.
The slender steel stems and decorative handles create an understated silhouette, while the darker patinated shovel head provides an attractive contrast.
Their timeless appearance works particularly well alongside antique fire baskets, cast-iron grates, stone fireplaces and traditional hearth surrounds.
A decorative and practical assembled set of three Edwardian fireside tools, retaining the charm and character of early 20th-century metalwork.
Period: Edwardian / Early 20th Century
Date: Circa 1900–1910, provisional
Origin: British or European, exact origin unconfirmed
Materials: Steel
Finish: Naturally aged and patinated steel
Set comprises: One poker, one pierced coal shovel and one pair of fire tongs
Poker
Length: 69 cm / 27.17 inches
Fire Tongs
Length: 65 cm / 25.59 inches
Pierced Coal Shovel
Length: 71 cm / 27.95 inches
Total Weight of Set
2.7 kg / 5.95 lbs
Every item offered by Shackleton Fox is carefully inspected, prepared, and where necessary conserved within our workshop prior to sale.
As heritage craftsmen and antique specialists, we believe in preserving the authenticity and integrity of each piece. Original finishes, patina, wear, and signs of age are retained wherever possible, as these elements contribute to both character and historical significance.
When restoration, rewiring, repairs, or conservation work is required, it is undertaken sympathetically using traditional techniques and materials appropriate to the period of the piece. Our philosophy is one of careful stewardship rather than unnecessary restoration, ensuring antiques remain both functional and historically respectful.
The result is a collection of pieces that have been thoughtfully prepared, allowing future owners to enjoy them with confidence while preserving their unique story and character.
