Antique Peerage Brass Fireside Companion Set with Sword Handles, c.1920

A wonderfully characterful antique brass fireside companion set by Peerage, England, dating to the early 20th century.

The set has an unusually decorative design, with its curved barrel-form stand worked with a textured faux-bois surface and applied brass bands with raised rivet detailing. The four accompanying fire tools combine brass fittings with dark steel shafts, while three are finished with distinctive sword-form handles featuring textured grips and small fleur-de-lis motifs.

The complete set comprises a fire shovel, poker, hearth brush and coal/fire tongs, all designed to sit neatly against the concealed rear of the stand. From the front, the tools' sword-like handles rise above the brass body, giving the piece an almost medieval or heraldic character.

The contrast between the aged brass, blackened steel and wonderfully tactile surface of the stand makes this much more decorative than the conventional brass companion sets commonly encountered.

The manufacturer's mark “Peerage England” can be seen on the fire shovel.

Both practical and sculptural, this would make an excellent fireside piece in a period property or as an unusual decorative accent within a more contemporary interior.

Very Good Original Condition

The brass retains an attractive aged surface with areas of tarnishing, oxidation, rubbing, scratches and variation in colour. There are small marks and imperfections to the stand and tools associated with use. The black-painted reverse of the stand displays losses, scratches and general surface wear.

The hearth brush retains its dark bristles, which show age and use. The steel elements have darkened naturally and show areas of surface oxidation.

The set appears substantially complete and presents extremely well. Its aged finish has deliberately not been over-polished, preserving the character and patina of the brass.

These signs of age form part of the character and authenticity of the piece rather than detracting from it.

- Antique English fireside companion set
- Marked Peerage England
- Complete four-piece fire tool set
- Shovel, poker, hearth brush and fire tongs
- Distinctive sword-form brass handles
- Fleur-de-lis detailing to handles
- Textured faux-bois/barrel-effect brass stand
- Applied brass bands with rivet detailing
- Brass and darkened steel construction
- Original black-painted reverse
- Attractive naturally aged brass patina
- Unusually decorative and collectible fireside design
- Early 20th century

Position beside an open fireplace, wood burner or substantial stone hearth, where the warm aged brass will work particularly well against natural stone, exposed brick, limewashed plaster or dark ironwork.

Its unusual sword-hilt handles and barrel-form stand also make it an interesting decorative object in its own right, particularly within rustic, country-house, eclectic or historically influenced interiors.