How to Buy or Sell — Fireplace Equipment

An old fireplace had many pieces of equipment: a set of tools that included a poker, shovel, tongs, broom, and a fireback, andirons, a basket to hold logs or coal, a coal bucket kept near the fireplace, fender, screen and such aids as bellows or match holders a stand to hold the tools and a damper pull to open the chimney.. All are considered collectibles and enjoy tremendous popularity. Sets were usually made using iron for the parts poking the fire and brass for the handles and rack that held the tools. Figural and irons and elaborate brass andirons made in the 1800s can be expensive but look for signs of age like handmade screws because many have been reproduced.