Brass Fireplace Screen Appraisal

Victorian Era Cast Brass Peacock Fireplace Screen

This is a vertical, ornate folding 'peacock' style fireplace screen crafted from cast brass. The object features a central, shield-shaped housing with a tapered profile, topped by a highly decorative finial consisting of scrolling acanthus leaves and mythical dolphin motifs. The centerpiece of the casting depicts a classical figure, likely a nymph or dancer, in a dynamic pose holding a tambourine. The background of this figure is an intricate pierced lattice, which acts as a storage sleeve for multiple perforated brass blades. These blades are designed to fan out from the base pivot to cover the hearth. The overall color is a warm, aged gold typical of polished brass, showing a moderate patina and oxidation in the recessed areas of the casting. The construction is heavy and structural, supported by an ornate tripod base with scrolled feet and geometric relief patterns. While no maker's mark is immediately visible in the image, the Neo-Rococo styling and casting quality suggest a late 19th-century Victorian or Edwardian manufacture. Conditions appear good for its age, though there is visible surface wear, some darkening of the metal, and slight misalignment of the fan blades consistent with mechanical use over time. The craftsmanship is high, featuring deep relief casting and functional mechanical components that characterize high-end hearth furniture from the turn of the century.