Fireplace Brush

Date1800s

Terms

Fireplace Brush
String
Horse Hair
Tar
Pine

Dimensions5.08 × 109.14 cm (2 × 42 15/16 in.)

Object numberH0410

DescriptionHearth or fireplace brush (broom). Long wood handle with bristles inserted in one end. Handle is of a single piece of wood, turned on a lathe except bottom 11" where bristles are inserted. Top 9 1/2" or so of handle has decorative turnings with knob on end. Rest simply tapers to bristles. Bristles are bundled with string and inserted in holes in wood, and tar applied around holes. Four rows of holes on bottom, holes continue around end of brush and onto top at tip. Handle apparently once painted black or dark brown, traces of which along handle, especially in turnings. Piece of twine tied around knob at end for hanging.