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  SUBSTANTIAL PHEASANT ANDIRONS, SOLID CAST IRON, ATTRIBUTED TO A LANCASTER COUNTY PENNSYLVANIA FOUNDRY, circa 1880-1915
Dimensions (inches): 13.5" tall x 25" long x 6.5" deep
Description:
This beautiful pair of pheasant andirons, made of solid cast iron, are suggested to have originated in Southeastern Pennsylvania, perhaps Landisville (Lancaster County). This quadrant of the state was peppered with a host of Pennsylvania German-operated foundries that produced small castings with both utilitarian and decorative merit.

Organically stylized, in a manner familiar to other objects of the Arts & Crafts movement, though simultaneously realistic in both their profile and scale, I find these examples far-and-away superior to any other cast, figural form of American andirons. Most of the recurring types familiar to experienced dealers and collectors of American folk art, among which are anchors, minutemen, baseball players, ducks, cats, and owls, tend to have more of a contrived and/or cartoonish presentation, than one which might be accurately reported as ethereal or sublime. Each weighing about 55 lbs., they exude quality and substance in a very profound way. Contributing to their attraction is exceptional, early surface, exhibiting the original black paint in some areas, much of it absent but with wonderful patination.

All-in-all a tremendous addition to any collection of American folk art, Arts & Crafts, or sporting art, bridging multiple categories of interest.
   
Primary Color: brown, black
Earliest Date: 1880
Latest Date: 1915
For Sale Status: Sold
Price SOLD
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