A Victorian cast iron and bronze "Nautilus" log grate made in the 19th century by the the Nautilus Fire company, Yeovil, Somerset. Shell shaped side panels with bronze stylised flower head bosses to side vents in the Renaissance manor, supported on four cast iron wheels, the front bar posts with fire tool holders mounted with beehive bronze decorative finials. A decorative bronze repousse hood and internal inset ash pan tray with cast iron front that can be removed in order to clear ash. (Image 1) A brass stamped disc to the rear showing the maker's name, this piece stamped No 5525.
 
Yeovil, Somerset, England 1881.
 
 
Notes:
When Queen Victoria had Nautilus fire grates installed at Balmoral Castle and Osborne House, demand for them grew substantially. The design by the Petter family firm was based on the internal shape of the Nautilus shell by means of which the fumes and smoke circulated in a chamber before being drawn out through the flue at the rear.
 
In 1882 James Petter showed his Nautilus grate at the "Manchester Smoke Abatement Exhibition" Queen Victoria visited the exhibition and installed the grates to the royal homes soon after.
 
Height
24.61 in (62.5 cm)
Width
20.48 in (52 cm)
Depth
17.33 in (44 cm)