Lot 638: Two Victorian Brass Fireplace Tool Stands and Five Associated Tools

A matching pair of Victorian brass fireplace companion stands, each constructed with a rectangular frame supported by tubular brass uprights. The uprights are topped with spherical ball finials, and the horizontal crossbars are detailed with tightly wound wire wrapping. One stand bears a stamped mark on the front horizontal bar in the shape of a diamond Victorian UK Design Registration mark, or kite mark; while the central characters are illegible due to patina, the digit 8 is clearly visible at the bottom apex. The associated tools comprise five pieces with varying designs. One set includes a hearth brush with black bristles and a bell-shaped brass cap, a fire shovel with a dark-patinated iron blade, and a pair of fire tongs, all featuring matching spiral-twist brass handles. The second set includes a three-pronged toasting fork with an openwork heart-motif head and a circular base embossed with a heraldic crest depicting a shield and scrollwork, alongside a long poker with a twisted stem and a cast brass terminal in the form of a seated monkey or imp holding a ring.