Victorian Coal Tongs Fireside Serpent Dragon Dauphin Jaws Solid Brass Antique
Condition:
Used
"Condition ReportOverall State: Good antique condition with a wonderful aged patina and authentic green verdigris settled naturally into the crevices.Mechanics: The pivot joint remains secure and operates exactly as intended. The jaws align closely and meet securely at the tips.Damage: No cracks, breaks, or structural damage.(Please examine all photos closely to verify the exact cosmetic condition before purchasing)."
Price: £59.99
Moneyback Guarantee
Breathe easy.
Returns accepted.
- Delivery: Estimated between Tue, Nov 3 and Wed, Nov 4
- Return: 30 days returns. Buyer pays for return shipping.
- Payments:
About this item
Description
Item Specifics
Type: Tongs
Items Included: Tongs
Style: Antique
Material: brass
Application: Fireplace
Finish: Brass
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Colour: Gold
Condition: Used
Seller note: Condition ReportOverall State: Good antique condition with a wonderful aged patina and authentic green verdigris settled naturally into the crevices.Mechanics: The pivot joint remains secure and operates exactly as intended. The jaws align closely and meet securely at the tips.Damage: No cracks, breaks, or structural damage.(Please examine all photos closely to verify the exact cosmetic condition before purchasing).
Item description
I am also selling a special collection of Antiques and other Collectibles, Military Memorabilia, Sports Memorabilia and Theatre & Cinema memorabilia, Books Comics & Magazines. Please check out my other items! and add me to your favourites list!…
Antique Victorian Solid Brass Fireside Coal Tongs.
Item Overview
Up for sale is a beautiful pair of antique solid brass fireside coal and ember tongs. This piece features a classic scissor-action design with highly detailed, ornate grips shaped like mythical beasts. Collectors traditionally identify these figures as stylized serpents, dragons, or French Dauphin (dolphin) heads.
Up for sale is a beautiful pair of antique solid brass fireside coal and ember tongs. This piece features a classic scissor-action design with highly detailed, ornate grips shaped like mythical beasts. Collectors traditionally identify these figures as stylized serpents, dragons, or French Dauphin (dolphin) heads.
Measurements
- Total Length: 25 cm
- Max Width (Handles): 10 cm
- Max Opening Span: 8 cm
- Thickness: 1 cm
Key Features & Details
- Material: 100% Solid Brass.
- Design: Intricate mythical serpent/dragon head jaws with decorative scrollwork along the handles.
- Action: Smooth, functional scissor-style pivot mechanics.
- Aesthetics: Developed a rich, natural vintage patina over time that beautifully highlights the original cast details.
- Versatility: Perfect as a functional hearth tool, country cottage fireside decor, or an eye-catching antique display piece.
Condition Report
- Overall State: Good antique condition with a wonderful aged patina and authentic green verdigris settled naturally into the crevices.
- Mechanics: The pivot joint remains secure and operates exactly as intended. The jaws align closely and meet securely at the tips.
- Damage: No cracks, breaks, or structural damage.
(Please examine all photos closely to verify the exact cosmetic condition before purchasing).
Historical Context & Collector Notes
These highly stylized, scissor-action ember tongs date back to the Victorian Era (circa 1850–1890).
During the 19th Century, the United Kingdom and Europe transitioned heavily from wide, open wood fireplaces to smaller, cast-iron coal grates. This shift created a massive market for specialized hearth furniture. Unlike large, heavy log tongs, these elegant, compact brass tongs were specifically designed to allow homeowners to precisely handle individual chunks of coal or glowing hot embers to manage a fireplace’s heat efficiently.
The heavy, highly decorative casting of the “Dauphin” or mythical sea-beast imagery seen on the jaws was an incredibly popular design trend in mid-to-late Victorian decorative arts. This piece is a wonderful example of functional late-19th-century metalwork.
“All items are described to the best of my ability; any mistakes are completely unintentional. We accept returns for any reason within 30 days of receiving your order. If you wish to return an item to us, please contact us. If for any reason you are not happy with your purchase please contact us before leaving any feedback- we will always work to resolve any issues.”
Proof of posting is always obtained.
Shipping – All items are posted in protective.
Please feel free to e-mail me with any questions etc.
Payment can be made via PayPal, UK cheque or postal order whilst overseas customers USA ,CANADA, JAPAN, AUSTRALIA, EUROPE, REST OF THE WORLD**
PAYMENT VIA *** PAYPAL ** IN UK POUNDS STERLING –
Multiple purchases can be combined, where possible, to save on postage. Please do not pay immediately, wait for a revise invoice to receive combined postal discount.
Gift 2606 / 1915
Reviews (0)
Postage, returns, and payments
Shipping and handling
- Item location: ilford, Essex
- Ships to : Worldwide.
- Excludes: Afghanistan, Libya, Nauru, Russian Federation, Somalia, Yemen
Handling Time
Will usually ship within 1 business day of receiving cleared payment.
Seller feedback (17,253)
l***e (138)
- Feedback left by buyer l***e (138).
- Past month
Great quality and price, as described, seamless transaction, thanks so much for this wonderful piece of theatrical memorabilia! 🌟
l***e (138)
- Feedback left by buyer l***e (138).
- Past month
Great quality and price, seamless transaction, thanks so much for this wonderful piece of theatrical memorabilia! 🌟
l***e (138)
- Feedback left by buyer l***e (138).
- Past month
Great piece of theatrical memorabilia, thanks so much! 10/10
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.