It was just too pretty to pass by, this early 1900s (or earlier) adjustable pole fire screen is in remarkably good condition. You know I'm always drawn to a tapestry panel. This one is exotic and elegant and perfect - it is also signed lower left by whatever needle artist made it, one tiny stitch at a time - these take hundreds of hours. Beautifully framed, (is it majogany?) and a smooth-working adjustment slide so it can be lowered or raised as needed. No fine Victorian or Edwardian home would be without screens like this, or perhaps hand screens, to be set up so a guest could sit close by the warmth of the fireplace, but avoid getting blotches on face from the heat. Early makeups had wax which could melt, as well. When not in use, the main job of the lovely needlepoint or embroidery screen is to double as decorative art. Full measurements are noted on the photos.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type. Even the backing fabric is undamaged on this olden. The needlepoint panel is 17" x 15" and carries the value we're putting to this one, just as framable needle arts, or perhaps to make up into a luxurious down-filled decorator pillow - but, this screen is in such good condition you'll want to keep it as it is. Center pole is hollow at least toward the top and the acorn-shaped finial slides easily into it, removable so that the screen frame can be completely removed from the pole which makes shipping and storage much simpler. There are no flaws to the needlepoint panel, and none notable to the wooden frame, though one can see age to it. That golden pheasant and its exotic landscape are in perfect stitches and a superb palette of silk and wool yarns.
