About the Piece
An exceptionally decorative vintage French five-piece fireplace tool set, circa 1950s, crafted in solid polished brass and distinguished by its wonderfully sculptural duck-head handles.
The complete set comprises four fireplace tools—a shovel, poker, tongs and brush—together with the original coordinating brass stand. Each long, slender tool terminates in a beautifully modeled duck head, giving this otherwise classical fireside accessory a whimsical yet sophisticated character.
The stand is particularly attractive, with four sculptural duck heads forming the upper supports and a rectangular gallery-style base below. The elongated proportions and polished brass construction give the set a strong decorative presence without appearing visually heavy. It works particularly well beside a limestone, marble or carved stone fireplace in a French Mediterranean, Hollywood Regency, Neoclassical or Maison Jansen-inspired interior.
The combination of polished brass, animal-form detailing and elegant proportions is characteristic of the luxurious decorative vocabulary associated with mid-20th-century French design. The set is in the style of Maison Jansen; unless documentation or a maker's mark is present, I would not attribute it directly to Maison Jansen.
The brass has been professionally restored and polished, while intentionally retaining areas of attractive vintage patina. Minor surface wear and variations to the finish remain consistent with age and previous use and contribute to the authentic character of the set.
Both functional and highly decorative, these vintage brass fireplace tools would make a striking fireside accessory in a sophisticated living room, library, study, country house or Mediterranean villa. The distinctive duck-head motif also gives the set particular appeal to collectors of animal-form decorative objects, French brass accessories and vintage fireplace furnishings.
France, circa 1950s.
Dimensions: The stand measures 32 inches high, with a base measuring 10.25 inches wide × 6.25 inches deep. The individual fireplace tools measure approximately 29 inches long.
Period: Mid-20th Century
Date: Circa 1950s
Origin: France
Style: Mid-Century Modern / Neoclassical / Hollywood Regency
Materials: Solid Brass
Techniques: Cast, Polished
Designer: In the Style of Maison Jansen
Condition: Good vintage condition; restored and polished, retaining areas of age-appropriate patina and wear.
Product details
- Similar to: Maison Jansen (Designer)
- Dimensions: Height: 32 in (81.28 cm); Width: 10.25 in (26.04 cm); Depth: 6.25 in (15.88 cm)
- Sold As: Set of 5
- Style: French Provincial (In the Style Of)
- Materials and Techniques: Brass; Hand-Crafted; Polished
- Place of Origin: France
- Period: Mid-20th Century
- Date of Manufacture: 1950
- Condition: Good; Wear consistent with age and use. restored polished but still showing some wear.
- Condition classification: Used
