A practical and characterful early 20th-century wire nursery fire guard with brass top rail, offering period charm, safety heritage and enduring fireside appeal
At a Glance – Appeal, Desirability & Collectibility:
• Date: Early 20th century circa 1900
• Origin: England
• Material: Wire construction with brass top rail
• Form: Nursery fire guard / fireplace screen
• Design: Freestanding protective surround
• Style: Simple, functional domestic antique design
Delivery is not included – please use the Request Delivery Quote feature before completing your order
Desirability:
• A charming example of early 20th Century domestic furniture
• Brass rail adds warmth, contrast, and subtle refinement
• Ideal for period fireplaces, nurseries, or country homes
• Suitable for practical use or decorative fireside display
• Increasingly sought after as authentic antique hearth accessories
Heritage, History & Craftsmanship;
A practical and characterful antique wire nursery fire guard dating to the early 1900s. Designed to sit securely in front of an open fireplace, this piece combines a sturdy wire framework with a gently curved brass top rail, introducing a refined decorative note to an otherwise utilitarian form. Well proportioned and freestanding, it offers both visual lightness and reassuring stability, making it as pleasing to look at as it is functional. The mellow patina to the brass and the honest wear to the wire speak quietly of domestic use over generations.
Brief Historical Note:
Nursery fire guards became increasingly common in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as awareness of household safety grew, particularly in homes with young children. Positioned in front of open fires, they provided essential protection while still allowing warmth to circulate freely. Typically made from wire with brass or iron detailing, these guards were designed to blend discreetly into domestic interiors, balancing safety with understated craftsmanship.
Explore Every Facet:
Our high-resolution photographs allow you to examine this fire guard in detail, exactly as you would in the showroom. These images move from overall form to construction details, surface patina, and proportion. Please study the photographs carefully; they form part of the visual record.
Styling Suggestions:
• Position in front of a period fireplace for authentic fireside character
• Use in a country house or cottage interior to complement natural materials
• Style alongside brass hearth tools for a cohesive antique fireside arrangement
• Repurpose decoratively as a low screen or sculptural fireside accent
Sustainable Style:
Thank you for considering this antique fire guard – a choice that is both culturally and environmentally responsible. In every sense, the most sustainable item is the one that endures.
Choosing antique domestic objects preserves original materials, supports traditional craftsmanship, and brings depth, continuity, and authenticity into modern living spaces.
Purchase with Confidence:
White’s Antiques carefully selects every item for authenticity, character, craftsmanship, and decorative presence - ensuring that each piece carries both aesthetic and historic value. Each item is described and photographed with care, ensuring complete transparency and confidence in your purchase. We are an established and successful business serving both trade and private collectors. You are warmly invited to visit our shop at 53 High Street, Arundel, and our Showroom at The Vinery, Poling, West Sussex, to experience our curated collections firsthand, explore the stories behind each antique, and appreciate these timeless treasures in person.
measurements
Height:
69 cm
Width:
99.500 cm
Depth:
32 cm
measurements
declaration
White’s Antiques has clarified that the Antique Wire Nursery Fire Guard with Brass Top Rail - Early 20th Century c.1900 (LA557873) is genuinely of the period declared with the date/period of manufacture being c.1900
declaration
condition
condition
Good antique condition with gentle wear consistent with age and use.