Firebacks

Description: Plain rectangle; no edging; top centre, date between two six-pointed stars.

Notes: Characteristic of the last firebacks cast at Ashburnham Furnace, Sussex. One of a small series of firebacks cast in the early-19th century for farms on the Ashburnham estate.

Inscription: * 1812 *

Description: Rectangular; twisted rope edging on top and sides; date placed slightly right of centre near top.

Notes: A similar fireback with slightly different proportions has the same date using the same numerals.

Inscription: 1679

Description: Rectangular shape; ovolo-moulded edging (top and sides); date top centre.

Notes: The style of the numerals is identical to those seen on another fireback, indicating a common source.

Inscription: 1658

Description: Rectangular; twisted rope edging on top and sides; date placed centrally near top.

Notes: A similar fireback with slightly different proportions has the same date using the same numerals. Formerly at the Anchor Hotel, Eastbourne, Sussex.

Inscription: 1679

Description: Arched rectangular shaped with narrow shoulders; fillet edging; date in individual numerals across arch.

Notes: A smaller version is different in the spacing of the numerals and the proportions of the plate.

Inscription: 1658

Description: Rectangular; ovolo-moulded edging (top and sides); date (in two parts) split across upper part of plate.

Notes: A recasting

Inscription: 17 25

Description: Rectangular; astragal and fillet edging; date across top of plate.

Notes: One of a series of backs dating to the 1730s and 40s using very similar sets of letters and numerals. Sold at Christie's Masters and Makers auction, 30 November 2010, lot 521 (£1000 part lot with no. 601, no. 623 and no. 634).

Inscription: 1736

Description: Canted rectangle; cavetto-moulded edging; three horizontal strips bearing a fine repeated ribbing: one horizontal below canted corners, and two vertical strips parallel to each side, dividing the fireback into two side panels, two top corner panels, top panel and main central panel; top corner panels, a plant stamp repeated in each; top panel, date between a repeated plant stamp; side panels, fleur-de-lys stamp repeated twice on each side in a vertical arrangement, a single plant stamp below, above an initial 'I' on the left and 'B' on the right; central panel plain.

Notes: The 'daisy' stamp, fleurs-de-lys and the IB initials are found on other backs in a distinct series. Illustration from Shuffrey 1912, p.139, and formerly part of the author's personal collection.

Inscription: 1710 / I B

Description: Canted rectangle; twisted rope edging (top and sides); top centre, date.

Inscription: 1697

Description: Canted rectangle; cavetto moulded edging (top and sides); single horizontal fillet below canted corners and vertical fillet parallel to each side, dividing the fireback into two side panels, two top corner panels, top panel and main central panel; corner panels, lion passant stamp, left facing in right corner, right facing in left corner; top panel, date between double fleurs-de-lys stamps; side panels, suspended vine stamp repeated each side; centre panel, flower head stamp in each top corner.

Notes: The lion, flower head and double fleur stamps and linear division are identical to those on a group of firebacks, some of which are identified by the initials IB. The vine stamp in the side panels is not seen on other backs in the series.

Inscription: 1699