Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
977 |
Object Name |
Fireback |
Date |
1662 |
Description |
Fireback, 1662 A rare and important Saugus Iron Works 17th century fireback cast of bog-iron in a sand mold at Hammersmith (the part of Saugus where the Saugus Ironworks were located). The bottom of the fireback is worn away, and the crest has "1662" in raised numerals.There is a straight top with rounded corners. Acording to Rpbert Trent, Curator of American Decorative Arts at the MFA in 1981, this is one of 5 known firebacks made at the Saugus Ironworks (1646-1670): 1. an example dated 1655 now at the Ironworks 2, one made for John and Alice Pickering dated 1660 now at the Peabody Essex Museum 3. an example dated 1660 and owned by Historic New England 4. one made for the Barrett family now owned by Pilgrim Hall in Plymouth 5. the Gables version whicn most closely resembles the example at Saugus May have been original to the house and owned by John Turner I, or acquired by Horace Ingersoll and installed in the house (per catalogue card). Caroline Emmerton, the museum's founder, remembered the fireback in the kitchen when she first visited the house in 1879/80. She had the fireback installed in the dining room during the 1901-1910 renvovation. |
Dimensions |
H-17 W-26 D-1.5 inches |
Material |
bog-iron |