Antique Matching Set of Dragon Themed Wrought Iron Fireplace Andirons and Tools. A unique piece of functional art, with a crown-wearing dinosaur-like figure adorning the top of each piece and intricate geometric designs along the fronts. The curved feet resemble those of the giant lizards, or perhaps wings. The two andirons are accompanied by the a piece which holds a shovel, fire tongs, a sweeping brush, and a poker. 

Condition: Well-used, but overall in good shape. 

Holder Size: 9 x 9 x 29 1/2 in. 

Andiron Size: 12 1/2 x 22 x 29 in. 

Andirons, or firedogs, are bracket supports, normally in pairs, on which logs are laid for burning in an open fireplace, so that air may circulate under the firewood, allowing better burning and less smoke. They generally consist of a tall vertical element at the front to stop logs from rolling into the room with at least two legs to support it. The other element is one or more low horizontal pieces stretching back into the fireplace to rest the logs upon. Before the Renaissance, European andirons were made entirely of iron and of plain design. From the Renaissance onwards the front vertical element was increasingly given decorative treatment and made of a different metal, such as bronze, silver, or brass, which is how this particular piece is constructed. When metals that could be cast began to be used for the fronts, these ordinary objects of the household received the attention of artisans, who lavished ornate designs upon them. During the 18th Century fireplaces began to have built-in metal grates to hold the firewood or coal up off the floor and in place, thus removing the need for andirons. However, andirons were often still kept for decorative reasons, and sometimes as a place to rest pokers, tongs and other fire implements.

A fire iron is any metal instrument for tending a fire, usually in a fireplace. The three most commonly used types of tools to tend a small fire are the spade, the tongs and the poker itself. These tools make it possible to handle a fire without risk of burns or blisters. A fireplace poker (also known as a fire iron) is a short, rigid rod made of fireproof material used to adjust coal and wood fuel burning in a fireplace, and can be used to stir up a fire. A fireplace poker is usually metal and has a point at one end for pushing burning materials (or a hook for pulling, raking, or a combination of the two) and a handle at the opposite end, sometimes with an insulated grip. Iron is the most popular metal from which the pokers are wrought. Brass is a more expensive alternative for a home poker set. A slice bar has a flatter tip and can be used to stir up the fire or to clear the grates of ashes. Many fireplace sets also include a small broom for sweeping up ash.

Well-used, but overall in good shape.