Description

Cast fireback attributed to Thomas Elsley; Colonial Williamsburg Iron Company. The remarkable fireback presents a centered royal coat of arms of King Charles I, flanked by a lion and unicorn with a lower ribbon. In the ribbon reads “Honi Soit Qui Mal y Pense” which is a maxim in the Anglo-Norman language, a dialect of Old Norman French spoken by the medieval ruling class in England in the 11th century meaning” Shamed be whoever thinks ill of it, translated as “shame on anyone who thinks evil of it”.

Casting attributed to Thomas Elsley who was a prolific cast iron artist exporting many firebacks in his career. Beautiful patina from years of use. Wear consistent with age.