Firebacks

Description: Rectangular with ogee moulded edging (top and sides); symmetrically spaced along the top, initials, IMF, between split date in well-defined characters.

Notes: The initials are believed to be of John Meers Fagg, who owned Blackford Farm, Herstmonceux, at that date. Fagg purchased three firebacks from Heathfield Furnace, Sussex, in September 1758, costing £4 10s. 6d. They were cast by Thomas Cavie, who was paid a shilling a piece (East Sussex Record Office, Brighton, SAS-RF/15/3/35, f.22). At least one other fireback is known with some of the same character set.

Inscription: 17 IMF 58

Description: Fragment; bottom left corner missing; rectangular; ovolo-moulded edging; initials split by date across top of plate.

Notes: The numerals show the transition between archaic and modern type styles. Formerly part of the J. H. Every collection.

Inscription: S 1753 W

Description: Rectangular shape; cyma reversa moulded edging (top and sides); top centre, initials EHA in triad; date split each side of initials.

Notes: Well formed and well spaced letters and numbers.

Inscription: 17 EHA [triad] 51

Description: Canted rectangle; twisted rope edging (top and sides); top centre, initials in triad between split date.

Notes: A late date for a very simple design.

Copies of this fireback are known.

Inscription: 17 T M M 48

Description: Rectangular; ovolo moulded edging (top and sides); at top, date split by initials (with dot between).

Notes: A bold, elegant plate with characters in high relief. The character set is known to have been used for another fireback cast at Heathfield Furnace, Sussex. Sold at Christie's Masters and Makers auction, 30 November 2010, lot 521 (£1000 part with no. 601, no. 637 and no. 634).

Inscription: 17 I·P 54

Description: Rectangular shape; ovolo-moulded edging; top centre, date between split initials.

Notes: The letters and numerals are particularly well formed. The fireback is displayed out of doors against a wall at the side of the street and the lower part is recessed into the pavement.

Inscription: R 1755 I

Description: Arched rectangular shape with ovolo-curved shoulders; astragal eding (top and sides); central stepped cross with initials separated to each side above the date similarly separated.

Notes: The crucifix suggests a Roman Catholic source; the letters and numerals appear to have been inscribed with a pointed instrument or finger.

Inscription: AR / 17 61

Description: Rectangular; bold ovolo-moulded edging (top and sides); at top, date widely split by initials in triad.

Notes: Characteristic lettering and numerals of the mid-18th century. The triad of initials probably refer to a husband and wife, the central initial N being that of their surname.

Inscription: 17 INE [triad] 52

Description: Rectangular; astragal moulding on top and side edges; symmetrical layout of date and initials; date split between left and right sides, initials in middle.

Notes: One of a series of backs dating to the 1730s and 40s using very similar sets of letters and numerals.

Inscription: 17 IF 43

Description: Arched central panel with fillet edging; figure in classical dress standing on a mound in front of a leafless tree; u; ninterrupted side and bottom border with straight fillet edges; at sides, mirrored low-relief undulating tendril design; at bottom, central leaf design; on top, central plume with hanging flower, between mirrored low-relief foliate swirls.

Notes: The figure is probably an allegory of Humility. Another example of this fireback bears the date 1746.