Train Track Andirons

Submitted by Michael Ely December 7th, 2010
Certifikitsch Winner
These rustic and old (about 60 years old) fireplace andirons were a housewarming gift from family members, family ranchers who live in Northern Arizona along old Route 66. The base of each andiron is made from a piece of actual railroad track welded onto a horseshoe and an iron cutout of a steer head. As you can imagine, these andirons are extremely heavy in weight, about 35 pounds each. As seen in one of the photos, they adorn the sides of our outdoor fire pit.

4 Responses to “Train Track Andirons”

  1. Allee Willis

    Never realized these fireplace things were called adirons. I know they sit around them but what’s the purpose of them?

    I have a fireplace but have literally never used it in the 30 years I’ve been in my house. The former owner told me I’d have to repair something inside the chimney but the thought of soot wafting up on any portion of my pristine white round walls or on any of the hundreds of objects you’ve seen photos of between my posts and Denny’s Adventures in Willis Wonderland series, I never got into collecting fireplace accoutrements as I had no intention of starting a fire. But if I did, I’d be after these railroad steers with their fantastic horseshoe legs.

    • Michael Ely

      Andirons are used for holding up fire logs so that the air can flow under the burning wood thus resulting in less smoke. Today most people use fire grates. I know what you mean about not using your fireplace. We have a fireplace, but it is set up with a gas flame and decorative logs, so we have the look of a burning fireplace without the smoke and mess. Even so, I only light it on Christmas Eve. If we want a real fire, we use our outdoor fire pit.