Vintage fire grates and baskets

A fire grate is a basket with bars to contain the fuel, either coal when coal became the main type of fuel in the early 18th century in England, or wood in Australia. The basket was on legs, with the gap between the base of the basket and the hearth to allow the air to circulate under the fire. Early examples were of iron, and plain, but as the century progressed the grate became increasingly ornate, often embossed and with shaped legs, with additions of brass and burnished steel. During the 19th century elaborate cast-iron grates were made, often with brass extras and finials.