Firebacks

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: Rectangular; twisted rope edging (top and sides); floriated trefoil stamp repeated in two rows of four in the upper two-thirds of the plate; between the middle four stamps, two small crosses of twisted rope, one above the other; between each outer group of four stamps a large cross of twisted rope.

Notes: The floriated trefoils may have been derived from a metal ornament.

Description: Rectangular; twisted rope edging (top and sides); along upper half of plate, date split with initials in between.

Notes: The initials are likely to be those of William Yalden (d.1674), an ironmaster who was active in north-west Sussex and south-west Surrey where this and other similar firebacks have been noted.

Inscription: 16 WY 68

Description: Rectangular shape; no edging; symmetrical arrangement of four stamps: across the top, three crowned roses with a fleur-de-lys between each pair; across the middle, three fleurs-de-lys with a chained portcullis between each pair; below and in the spaces between the fleurs and portcullises, four letters W.

Notes: The letter W may have an apotropaic significance; the stamps have not been recorded on other firebacks.

Inscription: W W W W

Description: Rectangular; twisted rope edging (top and sides); inscription (‘S’ reversed) across upper middle of plate, with superscripted central ‘I’ (crossed) ; below each part of the date is a twisted rope saltire (145mm lengths).

Notes: A personal fireback, made to order; a similar commission by Giles Moore, Rector of Horsted Keynes, Sussex, in 1657, cost 13 shillings.

Inscription: I / 16 E S 63

Description: Fragment; rectangular shape; ovolo-moulded edging; image of an iron grate with barred front and integral andiron with iron or brass disc.

Notes: A unique example; it is not certain how the mould was formed, whether by impressing an actual grate or carving a pattern with the image of a grate; the former seems more likely.

Description: Rectangular shape; no edging; raised fillets along the top and bottom, and diagonally in both directions between them, upon each of which are embossed ANO DO ANO DO 1624, although the spacing differs on each fillet, the certainty of this repetition is concealed in some parts by indistinct casting, and in at least one instance a colon is inserted before the date. The inscription on the top edge is inverted. Behind the intersection of the two diagonal fillets is what might be a figure holding a linear object over its right shoulder.

Notes: Clearly intended to be commemorative although for what is not known. Its small dimensions indicate that could have been intended as a plaque rather than a fireback, although the indistinct inscription on the bottom edge could have resulted from corrosion by fire.

Inscription: ANO DO ANO DO [:] 1624 [x4]

Description: Rectangular shape; cavetto-moulded edging (top and sides only); top left, initials IL and top right, 1697.

Notes: The style of lettering and numerals indicate that this is a casting from a larger group produced between the late-1660s and late 1690s.

Inscription: IL 1697

Description: Rectangular; simulated twisted rope edging; top centre, shield, baron's coronet, supporters and crest; in each top corner, heraldic badge - a Sea Lion holding an anchor.

Notes: The arms are of Sir Hudson Ewbanke Kearley, Bt., 1st Baron Devonport (1856-1934); created 1910, he was elevated to Viscount in 1917, thus the fireback would have been cast between 1910 and 1917. Blazon: Azure in chief two Mitres Argent garnished Or and in base a Square Tower of the second, a baronet's badge in chief; Supporters: On either side a Sea Lion Argent crined finned and tufted Or each gorged with a Collar Gules charged with three Roses of the second and each supporting a Spear erect proper; Crest: An Ancient Ship Or the Mainsail Azure charged with a Sea Lion of the first; Motto: Fit Via Vi (The way is made through strength). A version with the same arms and badges has an arched rectangular shape and plain edging.

Inscription: FIT VIA VI

Arms: Hudson Ewbanke Kearley, 1st Baron Devonport (later 1st Viscount)

Description: Rectangular; complex (astragal & fillet/cavetto) moulded edging; initials across top, between split date.

Inscription: 16 WSG 98 [‘S’ reversed]