Hand-Forged Barley-Twist Shaft with Bold Urn-Form Brass Handle
Probably English, First Half 19th Century, circa 1820–1850
A particularly handsome and beautifully wrought early nineteenth-century hearth poker, combining the muscular character of hand-forged iron with an unusually substantial and architectural brass handle.
The long rectangular-section iron shaft is wonderfully worked, incorporating bold barley-twist sections immediately beneath the handle and again toward the working end. Between these twisted passages the smith deliberately left the iron straight and faceted, creating a strong rhythmic progression down the length of the poker. The lower shaft gradually narrows into a long, hand-forged point, its slight irregularities and dark, time-worn surface giving the piece unmistakable early character.
Especially striking is the large knopped urn-form brass handle, beautifully proportioned with a succession of rounded moldings, collars and baluster-like elements culminating in a small button finial. The mellow golden brass retains an appealing aged surface, with scattered marks, subtle dents and darker oxidation settled into the recessed moldings—the honest evidence of nearly two centuries of handling and hearthside use.
The contrast between the warm, sculptural brass and nearly black wrought iron is particularly effective. While conceived as a practical household implement for tending an open fire, the blacksmith’s decorative twisting and the ambitious brass finial elevate this example well beyond the purely utilitarian.
A strong and highly decorative survivor of the early nineteenth-century hearth, retaining excellent age, surface and hand-forged character throughout.
Condition: Very good antique condition with expected wear, oxidation, minor surface marks and evidence of extensive period use. Attractive old surface retained; unpolished and best preserved as found. Height : 17 “