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How to tell if fireplace mantel is original?

7 years ago

American Victorian fireplace mantel?? · More Info

We purchased a historic home and of the 4 fireplaces, they all look different from each other. Neighboring homes tend to have marble mantles in the front parlor (where this is located).

How can I determine if it's original to the home? I know the tile is not original, so we will be carefully removing the mantle off to replace the hearth & surround. Hoping more clues will reveal themselves behind the mantel. I noticed the wallpaper finishes behind the mantel (and not at the edge), which makes me suspect it may have been added as a period appropriate mantel

I believe it is American Victorian wood mantel. Can anyone else tell me more??

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Comments (2)

PRO
Sombreuil
7 years ago
It looks (from here) to be a ca. 1900-1910 oak mantel. The tile, I doubt it. It would have had a beveled mirror originally. The finish looks to be redone at some point. That color is wrong for 1900-era oak. It would have been a lot more vibrant, it looks really flat with almost no grain showing.

Casey
Mon thanked Sombreuil
Mon
Original Author
7 years ago
Thank you Casey! What you say about the oak finish is very interesting. Never even thought to look at that for clues.
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From the photo you posted it is impossible to see proportions. Post another photo taken full front, showing floor and ceiling. Lacking that, install the mantle at the approximate point shown in the photo above where there is a change in materials. Unless you don't like that point. Then install it somewhere else...good luck!
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There needs to be a minimum of 12" of noncombustible material between the firebox and the mantel. Sometimes the depth of the mantel requires more clearance. That I'm not sure of. This site says 15" for a 6" deep mantle: https://antiquewoodworks.com/fireplace-mantel-installation-tips/ Also, there are a few over the fireplace tv mounts that can be pulled down over the mantle for a more comfortable view.
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