A fireback is a piece of heavy, cast iron, sized in proportion to the fireplace and the fire that is placed against the back wall of a brick hearth or fireplace. Firebacks protect the bricks and radiate stored heat into the room. This wooden mold board is a replica of the original pattern used to cast the 1636 Richard Lenard iron firebacks used in England. The design celebrates the English iron master and the tools of his family trade The thick iron metal is heated by the fire, and then that heat was radiated into the room. A fireback thus may increase the efficiency of the fire by as much as 50%. The thicker the fireback, the longer and softer this radiated effect. While wood fires have low efficiency, for those that prefer the atmosphere of an open wood fire, the fireback helps to minimize this problem. Another important function of the fireback is the protection of the brick back of the fireplace against heat and flames. Old firebacks are often beautiful pieces of decorative art and have sometimes been displayed away from the fire. The oldest firebacks date from the fifteenth century, the early days of casting iron. Early firebacks were decorated with simple designs derived from everyday objects, such as rope, moulds used in the making of certain types of foods and furniture fragments. Designs formed from specially carved wooden patterns or models gradually became more popular and many show the arms of royalty, the church and aristocracy. Religious themes were common particularly in Germany. Later firebacks bore mythological and allegorical subjects, as well as scenes from nature. The increasing use of coal as a domestic heating fuel caused a decline in the need for firebacks and their gradual replacement by integral grates. Info from the Saugus Iron Works and Wikipedia. Zoom does not help much. Thanks for stopping by my gallery, taking a look and for all your previous favs and comments. They are very much appreciated. Dana