Firebacks, made of durable cast iron, protected the rear, brick wall of the fireplace from flames and heat. Firebacks often were embellished in the latest styles or with a family crest. Here, the florid, Rococo-style border of C-scrolls and acanthus leaves is closely related to furniture and architectural decoration; the same woodcarvers who decorated high chests and chairs often carved the wooden molds used to create firebacks. This example bears the arms of the Grand Lodge of the Freemasons in Massachusetts. Joseph Webb was a Freemason, as was Paul Revere, who engraved Webb's trade card.

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