French: Andiron; French; 17th-18th century; Iron; This large andiron; one of a pair; was fabricated by an unidentified French maker in the 17th-18th century. It rests on scroll feet; with an additional decorative scroll in the center of the base. Andirons like these supported logs in open fireplaces to improve air circulation; resulting in less smoke and more even cooking temperatures. This rather elaborate example has an additional feature鈥攖he three hooks on the front would have once supported an iron bar that held cooking pots. The temperature of the pots could be adjusted by moving the bars up and down.; Overall: 25 1/8 x 13 5/16 x 30 in. (63.8 x 33.8 x 76.2 cm)