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THE SHACKLETON FOX ENCYCLOPAEDIA

The Shackleton Fox Encyclopaedia

An A–Z guide to antiques, decorative arts & collecting terms.
A growing reference library designed to help collectors, interior designers and antique enthusiasts better understand objects, materials, makers, periods and craftsmanship.
ABOUT THE ENCYCLOPAEDIA

A trusted reference for collectors and connoisseurs.

Explore the language, materials and craftsmanship behind antiques and the decorative arts. Browse alphabetically, search for a specific term, or filter by subject. Each entry connects you to related definitions and broader areas of collecting knowledge.
A—Z
OBJECTS · MAKERS · MATERIALS · PERIODS
BROWSE THE ENCYCLOPAEDIA

The A–Z Reference Library

Fire & Hearth

65 terms

B

Bellows

Fire & Hearth

Bellows are a traditional fireplace tool designed to direct air into a fire, increasing oxygen flow and helping flames burn more efficiently. Typically constructed from leather with wooden boards and a brass or copper nozzle, antique bellows were both practical household implements and decorative fireside

Brass Coal Bucket

Fire & Hearth

A Brass Coal Bucket is a decorative container used for storing and carrying coal beside the fireplace. Widely used during the Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian periods, antique examples were often crafted from polished brass with swing handles, lion mask mounts or decorative repoussé ornament. Today

Brass Companion Set

Fire & Hearth

A Brass Companion Set is a coordinated collection of essential fireplace tools, typically including a poker, brush, shovel and tongs, all suspended from a central stand. Produced in a variety of traditional and decorative styles, companion sets became particularly popular during the Victorian and Edwardian

Brass Fender

Fire & Hearth

A Brass Fender is a decorative metal surround positioned around the front and sides of a fireplace to contain ash, embers and fuel while protecting the hearth. Popular throughout the Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian periods, brass fenders were often crafted with pierced galleries, polished rails

Brass Fire Dogs

Fire & Hearth

Brass Fire Dogs, also known as andirons, are decorative supports positioned within a fireplace to hold burning logs above the hearth, allowing air to circulate beneath the fuel for more efficient combustion. Antique examples range from simple Georgian forms to highly ornate Victorian and French

Brass Fire Screen

Fire & Hearth

A Brass Coal Bucket is a decorative container used for storing and carrying coal beside the fireplace. Widely used during the Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian periods, antique examples were often crafted from polished brass with swing handles, lion mask mounts or decorative repoussé ornament. Today

C

Cast Iron Fireback

Fire & Hearth

A Cast Iron Fireback is a heavy decorative iron panel positioned against the rear wall of a fireplace to protect the masonry from heat while reflecting warmth back into the room. Originating in the fifteenth century and becoming especially popular during the Georgian and Victorian

Coal Bucket

Fire & Hearth

A Coal Bucket is a decorative metal container used to store and carry coal from the coal store to the fireplace. Commonly crafted from brass, copper, wrought iron or painted steel, antique coal buckets were produced in a variety of forms ranging from simple utilitarian

Coal Hod

Fire & Hearth

A Coal Hod is a portable container designed for carrying coal from storage to the hearth. Unlike a coal bucket, the hod typically has a tall, tapered shape with a sloping front that allows coal to be poured easily into the fire. Antique coal hods

Companion Set

Fire & Hearth

A Companion Set, also known as a Fireside Companion Set, is a coordinated collection of fireplace tools displayed on a central stand. Typically comprising a poker, tongs, shovel and brush, companion sets became increasingly popular during the Victorian period as elegant alternatives to individually stored

Copper Kettle

Decorative ArtsFire & HearthSilver & Metalwork

A Copper Kettle is a traditional vessel designed for heating water over an open fire or range. Favoured for copper\'s excellent heat-conducting properties, antique kettles often feature brass fittings, iron swing handles and hand-riveted construction. As the copper naturally develops a rich patina over time,

Corner Fender

Fire & Hearth

A Corner Fender is a decorative metal guard designed to fit around the sides of a fireplace hearth, protecting the surrounding flooring while providing a defined boundary around the fire. Popular during the Georgian and Victorian periods, corner fenders were commonly crafted from brass, wrought

D

Decorative Fender

Fire & Hearth

A Decorative Fender is an ornamental metal surround fitted around the edge of a fireplace hearth to contain fuel, protect flooring and enhance the overall appearance of the fireplace. Antique fenders were commonly crafted in polished brass, wrought iron or steel, often incorporating pierced galleries,

Decorative Fire Screen

Fire & Hearth

A Decorative Fire Screen is a movable screen positioned in front of a fireplace to shield occupants from excessive heat, sparks and ash while enhancing the appearance of the hearth. Produced in brass, wrought iron, mahogany and embroidered textiles, antique fire screens became fashionable throughout

Dog Grate

Fire & Hearth

A Dog Grate is a type of open fireplace grate supported by a pair of firedogs or andirons, designed to hold burning logs above the hearth for improved airflow and more efficient combustion. Popular from the seventeenth century onwards, dog grates were commonly crafted in

Dog Irons

Fire & Hearth

Dog Irons, also known as Firedogs or Andirons, are paired metal supports placed inside a fireplace to hold burning logs above the hearth, allowing air to circulate beneath the fire. Used since medieval times, antique dog irons were produced in wrought iron, cast iron, brass

Dust Pan

Fire & Hearth

A Dust Pan is a shallow handheld container designed for collecting dust, ash and debris during sweeping. Antique dust pans were traditionally produced in brass, copper, japanned iron or painted tin and were often accompanied by matching hearth brushes. Victorian examples frequently display decorative embossing,

Dutch Brass Fender

Fire & Hearth

A Dutch Brass Fender is a fireplace fender originating from the Netherlands, crafted primarily from polished brass and designed to frame the hearth while preventing fuel from falling onto the surrounding floor. Characterised by elegant pierced galleries, decorative finials and restrained classical styling, Dutch brass

Dutch Fire Basket

Fire & Hearth

A Dutch Fire Basket is an open-fronted fireplace grate originating from the Netherlands, traditionally crafted in brass, wrought iron or cast iron. Distinguished by its elegant proportions and decorative brass finials or gallery rails, Dutch fire baskets became popular throughout the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries

E

Ember Tongs

Fire & Hearth

Ember Tongs are traditional fireplace tools designed for safely lifting, moving and arranging burning coals, embers and small logs within an open fire. Typically crafted from wrought iron, steel or brass, they formed an essential part of the fireside companion set in Georgian, Victorian and

English Brass Fender

Fire & Hearth

English Brass Fender is a polished brass fireplace surround positioned around the edge of a hearth to help contain ash and embers while enhancing the appearance of the fireplace. Widely used throughout the Georgian and Victorian periods, English brass fenders range from simple neoclassical designs

English Fire Basket

Fire & Hearth

English Fire Basket is a traditional open fireplace grate designed to support burning logs or coal while allowing air to circulate beneath the fuel for efficient combustion. Commonly made from cast iron, wrought iron or brass, English fire baskets became increasingly decorative during the Georgian

English Fire Dogs

Fire & Hearth

English Fire Dogs, also known as andirons, are decorative supports placed inside an open fireplace to hold burning logs above the hearth, allowing improved airflow beneath the fire. Traditionally crafted from wrought iron, cast iron or brass, they have been used in England since the

Engraved Fender

Fire & Hearth

Engraved Fender refers to a decorative fireplace fender featuring hand-engraved or machine-engraved ornamentation, often incorporating floral scrolls, geometric borders or classical motifs. Usually crafted from brass or steel, engraved fenders were designed to contain ash and embers while adding elegance to Georgian and Victorian fireplaces.

Estate Fireplace

Fire & Hearth

Estate Fireplace refers to an original fireplace removed from a historic country house, manor, rectory or estate property. Often comprising the mantel, surround, insert and grate, estate fireplaces were crafted from high-quality materials such as marble, limestone, oak, cast iron and brass. Their exceptional craftsmanship,

F

Fire Basket

Fire & Hearth

Fire Basket is an open metal basket designed to hold burning logs or coal within a fireplace. Usually made from wrought iron, cast iron or brass, fire baskets became popular during the Georgian and Victorian periods and are valued for their decorative appearance as well

Fire Bellows

Fire & Hearth

Fire Bellows are traditional tools used to increase airflow to a fire by directing a controlled stream of air into the hearth. Typically crafted from wood and leather with a brass nozzle, antique fire bellows were both practical household implements and decorative fireside accessories during

Fire Bucket

Decorative ArtsFire & Hearth

Fire Bucket is a traditional metal bucket designed to store water, sand or coal beside a fireplace for both safety and practical use. Victorian examples were commonly crafted from copper, brass or iron and often feature decorative embossed or painted finishes. Antique fire buckets remain

Fire Companion Set

Fire & HearthSilver & Metalwork

Fire Companion Set is a coordinated collection of fireside tools, typically including a poker, tongs, shovel and brush displayed on a matching stand beside the fireplace. Produced in brass, wrought iron and steel, antique companion sets combine practical functionality with decorative craftsmanship. They remain an

Fire Dogs

Decorative ArtsFire & Hearth

Fire Dogs, also known as Andirons, are ornamental supports positioned inside a fireplace to raise logs above the hearth, allowing improved airflow for efficient burning. Often crafted from wrought iron, brass or bronze, antique fire dogs range from simple functional designs to highly decorative examples

Fire Fender

Decorative ArtsFire & Hearth

Fire Fender is a decorative barrier positioned around the front of a fireplace to help contain fuel and provide a protective boundary around the hearth. Traditionally crafted from brass, wrought iron or steel, antique fire fenders range from simple Victorian examples to elaborate pierced and

Fire Grate

Decorative ArtsFire & Hearth

Fire Grate is a metal framework positioned within a fireplace to support burning fuel while allowing air to circulate beneath for efficient combustion. Produced in cast iron, brass and steel, antique fire grates often incorporate decorative elements reflecting Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian design. Original examples

Fire Iron

Decorative ArtsFire & Hearth

Fire Iron refers to any of the traditional tools used to tend an open fire, including pokers, tongs, shovels and brushes. Often displayed together on a stand beside the hearth, antique fire irons were crafted from brass, wrought iron or steel and frequently feature decorative

Fire Screen

Decorative ArtsFire & Hearth

Fire Screen is a protective screen placed in front of an open fire to shield occupants from sparks and excessive heat while adding a decorative feature to the fireplace. Antique fire screens range from embroidered pole screens to brass mesh and stained-glass examples. They remain

Fire Shovel

Fire & Hearth

A Fire Shovel is a hand tool used to remove ash and manage coal or logs on an open fire, typically forming part of a matching companion set with poker and tongs.

Fire Tongs

Fire & Hearth

Fire Tongs are specialised fireside tools used to safely lift, position and adjust burning logs or coal within a fireplace. Usually made from wrought iron, brass or steel, antique fire tongs formed an essential part of every fire companion set and were designed for both

Fireplace

ArchitectureFire & Hearth

Fireplace is the architectural structure designed to contain an open fire for heating, cooking or decoration within a building. Fireplaces have evolved from simple medieval hearths to elaborate Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian designs incorporating carved stone, marble, timber or cast iron surrounds. Today, antique fireplaces

Fireplace Surround

ArchitectureDecorative ArtsFire & Hearth

Fireplace Surround is the decorative framework that encloses a fireplace opening, typically crafted from stone, marble, wood, cast iron or slate. Serving both structural and decorative purposes, antique fireplace surrounds reflect the architectural styles of their period, from Georgian elegance to Victorian Gothic and Arts

G

Georgian Fender

Fire & Hearth

Georgian Fender is a protective metal surround positioned around the hearth of a Georgian fireplace to contain embers while defining the fireside area. Typically crafted from polished brass, steel or wrought iron with elegant pierced or classical decoration, Georgian fenders combine practicality with refined eighteenth-century

Georgian Fire Basket

Fire & Hearth

Georgian Fire Basket is an open-fronted fireplace grate designed during the Georgian period to burn coal or wood efficiently while showcasing elegant craftsmanship. Usually constructed from wrought iron with polished brass or steel embellishments, Georgian fire baskets reflect the balanced proportions and restrained ornament of

Georgian Fire Dogs

Fire & Hearth

Georgian Fire Dogs are ornamental andirons produced during the Georgian period, designed to support burning logs while improving airflow within an open fireplace. Commonly crafted from wrought iron with brass or steel finials and decorative urns, Georgian fire dogs are admired for their elegant classical

Georgian Fire Grate

Fire & Hearth

Georgian Fire Grate is a fireplace grate produced during the Georgian period, designed to hold fuel above the hearth to improve combustion and heat output. Typically made from wrought iron with polished brass or steel detailing, Georgian fire grates combine practical engineering with elegant Neoclassical

Georgian Fire Irons

Fire & Hearth

Georgian Fire Irons are a matching set of fireplace tools produced during the Georgian period, usually comprising a poker, tongs and shovel. Crafted from wrought iron with brass, steel or bronze handles, these fireside accessories combine practical function with the refined elegance characteristic of eighteenth-century

Grate

Fire & Hearth

Grate is the metal framework within a fireplace that supports burning fuel while allowing air to circulate beneath the fire for efficient combustion. Produced in cast iron, wrought iron, brass and steel, antique grates range from simple functional designs to highly decorative Georgian and Victorian

Guard Screen

Fire & Hearth

Guard Screen, also known as a Fire Guard, is a protective screen placed in front of an open fireplace to prevent sparks and embers from escaping into the room. Traditionally constructed from brass, wrought iron or steel with fine mesh panels and decorative detailing, antique

H

Hearth

Fire & Hearth

A Hearth is the floor area directly in front of or beneath a fireplace, traditionally constructed from stone, slate, marble or brick to protect surrounding flooring from heat and sparks. Historically the heart of the home, the hearth served as a place for cooking, heating

Hearth Brush

Fire & Hearth

A Hearth Brush is a brush specifically designed for sweeping ash, soot and debris from the hearth and around the fireplace. Antique hearth brushes commonly feature turned wooden handles fitted with natural bristles and were often used alongside a matching shovel as part of a

Hearth Companion Set

Fire & Hearth

A Hearth Companion Set is a matching collection of fireside tools displayed on a central stand beside a fireplace. Typically comprising a poker, tongs, shovel and brush, antique companion sets were crafted from brass, wrought iron, cast iron or steel, combining practical function with decorative

Hearth Fender

Fire & Hearth

A Hearth Fender is a protective metal guard positioned around the edge of a fireplace hearth to contain fuel, prevent sparks from escaping and define the fireside area. Antique hearth fenders were commonly made from polished brass, wrought iron or steel, often incorporating upholstered seats

Hearth Rug

Fire & Hearth

A Hearth Rug is a rug placed directly in front of a fireplace to protect flooring from sparks, ash and heat while adding warmth and decoration to the room. Traditionally made from wool, needlework or woven textiles, antique hearth rugs often feature floral, geometric or

Hearth Stool

Fire & Hearth

A Hearth Stool is a small upholstered stool traditionally positioned beside a fireplace, providing comfortable seating while enjoying the warmth of the fire. Antique examples are commonly crafted from oak, walnut or mahogany with upholstered seats, ranging from simple country designs to finely carved Victorian

Hearth Tidy

Fire & Hearth

A Hearth Tidy is a domestic cleaning accessory used to collect ash, soot and debris from the fireplace after sweeping. Antique hearth tidies typically consist of a small metal pan with a hinged lid and a long handle, allowing ash to be removed cleanly without

Hooded Fireplace

Fire & Hearth

A Hooded Fireplace is a fireplace featuring a projecting hood or canopy above the fire opening, designed to direct smoke efficiently into the chimney while creating a distinctive architectural feature. Commonly found in medieval, Tudor and French provincial interiors, hooded fireplaces are often constructed from

K

Kitchen Range

Fire & Hearth

A Kitchen Range is a cast-iron cooking stove built into a fireplace opening, combining an open fire with ovens and hotplates, the standard means of cooking and heating in British kitchens from the early 19th century until gas and electric ranges took over.

L

Log Basket

Fire & Hearth

A Log Basket is a woven or metal container kept beside a fireplace for storing firewood, made in materials from wicker to brass and copper, often decorative as well as functional in Victorian and Edwardian interiors.

Log Tongs

Fire & Hearth

Log Tongs are long-handled fireside tools used to lift and position logs on a fire without direct contact with the flames, typically forming part of a matching fire companion set.

M

Match Strike

Fire & Hearth

A Match Strike is a small pottery or metal container with a roughened striking surface, used to hold and ignite matches beside a fireplace or lamp, a common Victorian and Edwardian household accessory.

S

Spark Guard

Fire & Hearth

A Spark Guard is a protective mesh screen placed in front of an open fire to prevent sparks and embers from escaping into the room, a standard Victorian and Edwardian fireside safety fitting.

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