In The 18th and 19th century almost every house had at least one fireplace, and therefore a mantlepiece, and in the grander houses, several mantlepieces. These would be decorated with all manner of things from clocks, candlesticks, photograph frames and pottery and brass ornaments.
 
This is a splendid pair of matlepiece urns, made from polished black slate with gilded metal fittings, standing upon polished slate bases. These would have been in a wealthy household.
 
There are no breaks or cracks to the slate, but do however have some very tiny chips on the edges of the bases and edges of the urns. One urn has a chip to the underneath edge, but overall are in good appearance.
 
Dimensions: 12.5cm x 10cm x 28cm high