Photograph by Ed Pollard, Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II digital slr-2007.

Spear Andiron

Manufacturer Brass Founder (American, early 19th Century)

Designer Richard Whittingham Sr.

Designer Richard Whittingham Jr.

DateFederal period, early 19th century

MediumIron | Brass

DimensionsOverall: 20 1/2 x 10 x 20 in. (52.1 x 25.4 x 50.8 cm)

ClassificationsDecorative arts

Credit LineGift of Lois Martin Strode

Object number2006.11.1

Terms

Andiron
New York City

On View

On view

DescriptionThe front posts are made of cast brass and are supported by two curved brass legs. The legs have spurs pointing outward from their knees and sit on ball feet. The legs are attached to the sides of a round plinth that support a hexagonal pedestal, on top of the pedestal sits a staged rounded stem that becomes columnar and then flares out to hold a sphere. On top of the sphere sits another rounded stem that tapers toward the top to support a shallow rounded cup and on top of the cup sits a hexagonal steeple that is surmounted by an ovoid finial with a top button. The legs were cast solid, but the posts themselves were cast in two vertical hollow halves and braised together.