Screen, fire

Title:

Wooden Pole Screen with Gilman Family Crest

Object Name:

Screen, fire

Creator:

Unknown

Date:

1810-1870

Material:

Wood, brass, wool, linen

Dimensions:

H-4.75 L-21 Dia-7 inches
Screen measures 17.750 inches high by 15.000 inches wide.

Description:

Queen Anne style wooden firescreen on turned cherry post capped with a brass urn finial and tripod base. The screen is a rectangular framed needlework of the Gilman Family crest with a black leg on a white shield surrounded by vegetation with gold banners below. Colors are predominantly black, burgundy, gold and white.

Provenance:

The primary function of a fire screen was to reduce the discomfort of excessive heat from a log fire. Early fire screens, such as this one, were generally adjustable shield-shaped panels mounted on tripod table legs.

This type of fire screen, also known as a pole screen, began to appear in the eighteenth century. It was placed between a lit fire and an occupant of the room, and the screen could be adjusted up or down in order to shield the person's face (or other part of the body) from the heat. The screen could be rectangular, and was decorated with embroidery, lacquer, or paint.

The Gilman Family crest, pictured on the fire screen, does not depict a black boot, but rather a black leg. Most believe that the black leg originates with the legend of a Welsh knight named Cilmin. Cilmin befriended a necromancer, who convinced him to attempt to gain possession of a powerful "mystic" book that was in the hands of a demon. The necromancer warned Cilmin, however, that he must not touch the black river that was the border of the demon's territory. After bravely capturing the book from the demon in a gallant battle, Cilmin successfully escaped to the river. As his horse lay exhausted and dying, Cilmin tried to jump the span, but unfortunately slipped and his leg went into the water. From then on, the knight's leg became black and he was lame to his dying day.

Subjects:

Fire screens, Screens, Household equipment, Household goods, Needlework, Heraldry, Coats of arms, Black Leg, Family Crest

People:

Gilman, Cilmin

Place of Origin:

United States

Collection Name:

Society of the Cincinnati in the State of New Hampshire

Item Number:

2012.035

Accession Number:

2012.035

Type of Material:

Objects

Copyright Statement:

For information regarding copyright, permissions, and reproductions contact the American Independence Museum

Credit Line:

Gift of William P. Dudley

Participating Organization:

American Independence Museum