|
|
Article: Fireplace bellows.
- Article from:
- Country Living
- Article date:
- October 1, 2006
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2006 Hearst Communications, reprinted with permission of Hearst. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
|
The heart-shaped wooden boards on these 18-inch American bellows, both circa 1840, feature designs of gold-stenciled flowers and a fruit basket. The example on the left has a flat top board ($450), while the other version is curved or "turtlebacked" ($550).
Jolly good bellows To earn that praise, antique bellows must have their original paint in good condition, and original nozzle. Beyond that, it's a matter of rarity. Thus, turtlebacked and turned top boards are more valued than flat ones; decorated borders more coveted than plain; painted scenes--of houses, sailing ships, or cornucopia (left)--more desirable than florals.
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]