Description: Pair of cast iron andirons with ring top finials, initials "EL" cast on the post, and cast on the front of the legs, "CON" and "WAY." These small cast iron andirons are very similar to a pair marked "SPRING" "FIELD" and attributed to the manufacture of James Byers and Company of Springfield, Massachusetts [see HD 2008.24]. Perhaps Byers or another company specialized in making andirons or "small ring dogs" molded with the name of your home town. According to the dealer of this pair, other andirons molded with the name "Barnstaple" have been seen.
Link to share this object record: https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=HD+2013.5 |