Victorian Cast Iron Tiled Combination Fireplace

This is a late Victorian architectural fireplace feature, likely dating between 1880 and 1900. It is a 'combination' style grate, meaning the mantel, surround, and firebox are cast as a single integrated unit. The structure is made of heavy cast iron, finished in a matte black coal-tar or lead-brush style finish. Architecturally, it features a prominent mantel shelf supported by a frieze decorated with a Repeating 'bead and reel' or Neoclassical circular pattern and a central raised rectangular panel. The vertical jambs are embellished with floral urn motifs in relief and recessed fluting. A standout feature is the vertical runs of decorative ceramic transfer-printed tiles on either side of the opening; these show a stylized floral Art Nouveau or Aesthetic Movement pattern in ochre, green, and cream hues. The firebox contains a decorative arched canopy with scrollwork and a matching curved grate with vertical bars for coal burning. The unit sits atop a slate or stone hearth. Condition appears fair to good: the ironwork shows a consistent dark patina with some softening of the cast details due to successive layers of paint or polish over time. There are no immediate signs of major structural cracking, though slight misalignment with the floor hearth and minor chips to the mantel edge are visible. The tiles appear intact without significant crazing or heat damage, which is a key indicator of quality and preservation.