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October 9, 2009
Mantle Insert - Where to Find?
Hi.
As you can see from the picture I have an insert for one of my mantles which is missing the grating that all the rest of the inserts in the house have.
Any idea where I might be able to find such a piece to restore this insert?
Right now it looks like a simple cut piece of tin was inserted at some point.
Comments
Many of the antique stores throughout Brooklyn have these. There are more than a few shops on Atlantic Ave in the 300 (?) block by Hoyt St. Also, there are a few shops on Throop in Bed Stuy. Shouldn't be hard to find.
If you want some truly exceptional ones go to www.urbanremainschicago.com Shipping isn't ll that expensive
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at October 9, 2009 8:59 AM
Try Olde Good Things.
Posted by: mellowjohnny at October 9, 2009 9:02 AM
I know this doesn't answer the question but the question of what to do with nonworking fireplaces reminds me how I like the look of custom built-in bookshelves inside the fireplaces with books on the shelves. Been thinking about doing that.
Posted by: traditionalmod at October 9, 2009 9:12 AM
Burning books is a very slippery slope, traditionalmod. It's usually reserved for the lunatic fringe dictators. :)
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at October 9, 2009 9:16 AM
Eddie's - corner of Greene and Grand. He has many many - you'll need to strip it. I've found some beauties. good luck!
Posted by: amybnyc at October 9, 2009 9:37 AM
I second Urban Remains. They have a great website and a fantastic array of fireplace inserts. I especially like the one that looks like a spider's web. Wish I had a place for it!
Posted by: bessie2 at October 9, 2009 10:23 AM
I have some which I'm not using will post with pics later today along with number/email to contact-
You could either use them whole if they fit, or have them cut to replace your missing portion.
Greenwood General
Posted by: greenwoodgeneral at October 9, 2009 10:28 AM
I have a few -- will post later with pics. Will sell pretty cheaply- maybe $50? -
They could be used whole or cut to replace your missing portion.
Greenwood General
Posted by: greenwoodgeneral at October 9, 2009 10:30 AM
I had to replicate some missing cast iron on the front of a Soho building. This looks about the same size, thickness. So I yanked the remaining piece off and took it to The Compleat Sculptor at 90 Vandam St. They were incredibly helpful, walked me through the whole process to cast the missing pieces in 2 part resin. I suspect you could find somebody there to do it for you if you wanted, I just like making messes.
Posted by: modsquad at October 9, 2009 10:36 AM
The insert in the photo looks very much like 2 we have in our place from the parlor floor. Upstairs we have the more decorative grills but on the parlor fire places we have these plain inserts (curiously set in the much more elaborate mantles) which have mirror where you describe the tin (you may find this if you strip the paint). You might want to consider keeping these original inserts after you clean them up.
Posted by: going4broke at October 9, 2009 12:41 PM
There is a salvage guy on Green Ave and I think Grand. He is right in front of the 52 bus stop. He has them...all shapes and sizThere is a salvage guy on Green Ave and I think Grand. He is right in front of the 52 bus stop. He has them...all shapes and sizes too. last I check they were 100 bucks or so. I don't recall his name but if you drive down Greene Ave in Clinton Hill headed towards BED-Stuy you'll see him. He has a garage loaded with great finds.es too. last i check they were 100 bucks or so. I don't recall his name but if you drive down Greene Ave in Clinton Hill headed towards BED-Stuy you'll see him. He has a garage loaded with great finds.
Posted by: A CrownHeightsLady at October 9, 2009 2:31 PM
I was able to find pier mirror and mantle accessories on Atlantic between nevins and smith street. No shop stands out among the many but you never know what your going to find there. Also found a number of good items on 5th ave and 15th street, place called 'Time' gallery.
Posted by: isaacly at October 9, 2009 3:58 PM
we actually have one of these lying around in the backyard which we have no use for. If you'd be interested in taking a look post an email and I'll provide details......
Posted by: orrsuz at October 9, 2009 7:02 PM
Some, like my husband and a few work associates, might say I fit that profile, DIBS!
:)
Posted by: traditionalmod at October 10, 2009 9:50 AM
Dibs the shops in Bed Stuy are on Thomkins and Jefferson. Op they have these instock for less than 100 bucks.
Posted by: jack slade at October 10, 2009 5:34 PM
t on Grand and Greene is always the most resonable, and vacarro's iron under the F train, in the Lowe's parking lot has alot too.
Posted by: tsarina at October 10, 2009 8:24 PM
OMG, this has been great. Thank you so much for all the tips.
Orrsuz, Greenwoodgeneral, would love to see what you have although it does sound like in any event a replacement won't be too expensive. How can I contact both of you?
Going4broke, not sure we want to keep it. Looks pretty crappy and bent (you can't tell from the photo), and is incidentally the only one like this. Rest are more ornate inserts, and clearly years ago someone broke or otherwise yanked it out of this fireplace.
In our bedroom and just getting a new insert to put in would be a great finishing touch.
Posted by: sunspot19 at October 11, 2009 7:23 AM
Orrsuz and Greenwoodgeneral -- we are also looking for a fireplace insert for our house, and would be interested to see what you have. Please email me any photos/details at tzaluv@yahoo.com. Thanks!
Posted by: westminster at October 12, 2009 12:42 PM
Well, Vaccaro didn't have an insert that worked, and Eddie's was not open yesterday (too bad).
I'll hopefully make it out to Eddie's some point this week.
Posted by: sunspot19 at October 13, 2009 7:05 AM
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