P247 - Cast iron fireplace back plate, 19th century, dimensions cm W 50 x H 58

P247 - Cast iron fireplace back plate. Depicts two soldiers with swords. Cast iron plates were used, before the advent of refractory bricks, to protect the wall from fire and to improve the efficiency of the fireplace by continuing to radiate heat for some time even after the fire was extinguished. 19th century. Dimensions cm W 50 x H 58