The word andiron derives from the combination of the 13th-century word for iron and the Celtic word for young animal. This is believed to given the term firedogs. Andirons were often made with quite elaborate decorations with animals being the theme mainly cats and owls. Andirons, were first used sometime in the 14th century. Their function was to create airflow so the logs would not smother the tinder.
Before we could turn the gas valve to light the logs, we had to start the fire with kindling. Placing heavy logs directly onto the starter fire smothers it. Andirons keep the logs elevated from the kindling allowing air flow so the kindling will burn and catch the logs. The logs will then burn apart forming coals which drop down below the andirons forming a coal bed. Simply stack more logs on the andirons and you have a great fire for the evening
Andirons are made mainly from iron or brass. They range from elaborate to plain. Andirons have three legs. Two of the legs hold up the decorative posts, known as guards, and the third extends from the back which hold up the logs. The guards are usually shaped as animals, or as a post and ball. However, many other styles are available.
Andirons were also used for cooking. A bar would be placed across the two guards for a spit or for hanging kettles. Other andirons have hooks for supporting a spit or kettles. Some andirons have built in bowls for stews.
The andiron was very important in its time. Today you will probably never cook a meal on your andirons, however, they still have their purpose for starting and maintaining the fire. They always add decor to your firebox especially in the summer months when the fireplace is not in use.
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