Restoring a cast iron fireplace

[Edz]

Hi

I wonder if you can help me. I have been given an old cast iron Victorian fireplace which I intend to use fit in my bedroom, and have it working!

The problem is that I don’t even know if all of the bits are there. Are there any books that you can get on the subject? Or even more importantly any spare parts? Most of the cast iron fireplaces that I see for sale seem to have half the bits missing!

Any help would be appreciated.

Kind Regards

EDWIN SIMMS

 

[Lime]

Fitting an old cast iron fireplace so that it works requires compliance with the building regulations.

Many old fireplaces relied on skilled packing/infill behind it to operate properly.
Some had backs of cast iron and had firebricks inserts or some only had firebricks.
Many old fireplaces are missing the grill front as this often just lifts out.
Spares that fit are often hard to come by.

I haven't seen a proper dust pan with knob/handle since I was a child. Most seem to have rusted away (as the pan was not very substantial) and the cast iron front with knob (that wouldn't usually stand up by itself) thrown away.

 

[Edz]

Thanks Lime.

I reckon you are right about these spares. Unless I can acquire a complete fireplace then I may have a problem.

Interesting point about the building regs. As far as I am concerned if I can get all of the bits install the fire, and it has a good draw on it then as far as any Inspector is concerned it is original build. I have no desire to court hassle.