Advanced Search 
Pair of andirons
Marked by: Jacob Bodendeich (German (active in London), 1634–1681)
English (London)
1671–72
Object Place: Europe, London, England
Medium/Technique
Silver with iron fittings
Dimensions
H. 48.9 cm (19 1/4 in.); W. 26.4 cm (10 3/8 in.); D. 12.7 cm (5 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Winston F. C. Guest
Accession Number53.2000.1-2
CollectionsEurope
ClassificationsSilver
DescriptionEach andiron rests on two flattened bun-shaped feet. The base is in the form of a scrolling volute and is chased with acanthus leaves along the shoulders and clusters of grapes on the apron at the front. In the center of the base is an oval cartouche surrounded by a wreath of laurel leaves; there are traces of obliterated engraving, probably a monogram or armorials. The top of the base rises to a rectangular plinth with scrolling volutes. The baluster shaft of the andiron is composed of three bun-shaped sections chased with acanthus leaves, separated by molded spool-shaped dividers. The whole is surmounted by a finial in the form of a flame. All silver parts of the andirons are raised or fabricated and embossed. The silver base is formed around a wrought iron frame to which it is secured at each foot. There are six silver pieces that form the upright, each composed of two formed sections, joined in the middle with a molded wire. They are secured by an iron shaft that is attached to the flame finial at the top. The base of the shaft is bolted through the silver, the iron frame, and the iron billet bar. Both andirons have been repaired extensively in the area around the feet. The iron billets are modern. Two small holes on either side of the apron that extends between the feet might possibly have been used to affix an additional pendant piece, now missing.
Marks
At base of stem of each, date letter O; lion passant; leopard's head crowned; maker's mark IB a pellet between, a crescent and two pellets below in a plain shield (Jackson, 1921, p. 130; rev. ed. 1989, p. 128)
ProvenanceJ.P. Morgan (1867–1953) (unverified); Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Winston F. C. Guest, June 16, 1953.