Is this just a cheap modern surround?

[Coles]

My next project is pulling up the laminate flooring in my early 1900 dining room, part of this will involve ditching the surround. But before I do, I just want to double check this if this is a modern surround and not anything worth keeping.

The moulding is coming away from the front, as shown in the pic, which looks like it is just glued on. The hearth is also 'modern' , so I hope to discover something original when the floor is taken up.

 

[Coles]

I have taken this off. it was chipboard and all bits of wood. Underneath I discovered the original cast iron shelf. It confirms the insert is original as the fixing are behind the lath plaster.


The original hearth tiles appear to be white.

 

[Drayton]

That's excellent - it looks as though its taken a big sigh of relief!

 

[Coles]

That's excellent - it looks as though its taken a big sigh of relief!

That's exactly how I see it, my partner doesn't quite get my excitement.

I now have the fun job of removing the paint.