I went to the warehouse this week and came home with a couple of crates of wonderful antiques we'd just never listed. I love 'shopping' our warehouse! One crate I found was full of antique fireplace bellows, and this is one from those. Found in France ages ago, we just lost track of it. Such a beauty, I've cleaned it up and not only does it work well, it's just gorgeous, pressed heavy brass skin on both front and back, each figural and with a very Renaissance feel to it. Look how fine the work is, and how beautifully sculpted the mould was. I think the sides are mould cast, though I'm not sure how they got such fine detailing on a rather thin plaque of brass. It wraps over a wooden form, the inside is lined in the same leather the squarish box bellows is made. There are small splits at folds/corners, but the bellows is a working and useful one should you choose to use it. Full measurements noted on the photos.
Very good to excellent condition, age and type considered. Dating c.1840-50s, possibly earlier, there are signs of age to the corners/folds of the leather in the squared form bellows, but not much and it does hold air and work just fine. Age to the metal, a beautiful patina, and neither side has dents or damage. A really beautiful bellows, with definite age to it.
