Are brass andirons worth anything?

Are brass andirons worth anything?

Answer: Depending on condition and rarity, andirons have sold in a wide price range, from a few hundred dollars a pair to well in excess of $1,000 a set, according to information provided by dealer catalogues and collectors. Some of the more valuable andirons were fashioned in the East, such as in Pennsylvania.

What are fireplace andirons used for?

Originally andirons were used to elevate firewood to allow air to flow better and also to keep the firewood in the fireplace. Today fireplace andirons are used primarily as a fireplace accessory for decoration and a fireplace grate has replaced the functionality of andirons.

Are andirons necessary?

Although it is no longer necessary to cook in the fireplace, it is quite an enjoyable activity. The only things needed for cooking with andirons are andirons with spit hooks, a spit and a drip tray if fat comes off the food. You can thread all kinds of food onto the spit and grill or cook it.

How do you use andirons?

How To Use Andirons

1. Place the andirons parallel to each other with the horizontal pieces facing in toward the fire and the vertical pieces at the front.
2. Pile tinder and kindling on the floor of the fireplace between the andirons.

Can you paint andirons?

Before you apply the anti-corrosive paint, you’ll want to apply a high temperature primer. They offer high temperature paint, good for use with fireplace accessories that have high heat exposure such as the andirons, poker tools, and screens. Spray the primer on evenly, holding the can 5 to 8 inches from the surface.

Do you need a fireplace grate with andirons?

Fireplace andirons or firedogs provide a better draft in the fireplace, better burning of the wood (environmental aspect) and hold the wood so that it cannot easily roll out of the fireplace (safety). No fire grate is required when using large logs or tree trunks. The depth of the andiron and of the fireplace rack.

Can you burn wood on andirons?

All andirons have an elevation at the front. This prevents the wood from rolling out of the fireplace. This keeps the fire together better, which makes it burn better. In addition, it is safer if burning wood cannot roll out of the fireplace.

How high should andirons be?

The rule of thumb for andiron height is one-half to three-quarters of the height of the fireplace opening, but this isn’t written in stone. It is only common sense that a large fireplace requires larger fittings; they will look better and can handle the larger-size logs you will be burning.

How deep should andirons be?

Depth of the andirons or firedogs The minimum depth is 50% of the depth of the fireplace. The fire is built against the rear wall of the fireplace, so that the crossbars of the andirons are also perpendicular to the rear wall. The fire must come to at least the middle of the fireplace.

How do I place my andirons in my fireplace?