Our French fireback with a crowned coat of arms and dog supporters is from the 1700’s. The cast iron piece is rectangular with canted upper corners, and an open crown sits on top of an oval coat of arms escutcheon. The shield has been “party per cross” (quartered along the x and y-axis) and emblazoned with a rampant lion and stars. The sinister base (lower right) element is too faded to make out properly, but it appears to be a cross. A pair of collared dogs in the rampant attitude are known as “supporters” and function to hold the coat of arms shield.

Originally firebacks were used in the back of fireplaces to radiate heat into the room. In today’s world, the fireback could also be used as a decorative piece on a stone wall or above a stove as a backsplash.

CONDITION: Wear commensurate to age and use with rubs and faded motifs. A crack in lower, center right, but fireback is solid. Please see photos.