Victorian fireplace - Not Cast Iron?

[em]

We have an original fireplace in the victorian part of the property which isnt cast iron, but looks almost bronze in colour - some areas its polished and others tarnished.

We dont know what it is actually made of and so how to clean/generally maintain/look after it.

Also in there is some rust - only on the very bottom (around the grate) and the joints - how to we treat this?

Many Thanks!!

 

[alice]

If it has rust, wouldn't it be iron? Or at least the parts (if they are separate parts) that are rusting would be.

While I've seen brass decorative bits, I've never seen or heard of a fireplace that is completely brass or bronze, but I suppose anything is possible. Is the tarnish green?

alice

 

[Penners]

As Alice says, rust suggests iron. Could the bronze appearance be paint or plating?

Can you post a picture?

 

[chuckey]

Pull of one of your fridge magnets and test the fire surround. If its magnetic then its cast iron with a flash of paint over it, if its not its bronze, remove it and sell it and buy a second home with the proceeds!
Frank

 

[Penners]

Pull of one of your fridge magnets and test the fire surround.

Now that's what I call intelligent thinking, Frank.