Is this fireplace original?

[AlexaLouder]

I want to replace the monstrosity of a 90s fireplace in my Edwardian terrace and have seen this on FB marketplace.

It's not cheap, which is fine if it's an original period piece, but not so much if it's a reproduction. It's good for me for now, so I don't mind either way, but I obviously don't want to be paying through the nose for an original if it's not. I know nothing really about such matters - can anyone advise?

I’m not sure but if you think it’s expensive offer less. I recently sold an excellent condition pine bed which had cost over £400 for £20. Stuff is hard to shift on marketplace and they may get to a stage where they’re happy just to get rid.

No expert, but that looks a lot like one I bought in the 1990s.

That's a reproduction. It's quite nice though.

I don't mind paying what they're asking if it is what they say it is! Don't want to diddle them, just don't want to be chucking a wodge of cash at something that isn't 'worth' that much.

I'm AWFUL at haggling, too!

Ah, I thought it might be, @ElizabethinherGermanGarden. It lookson too good nick.

I bought one very similar, knowing it was repro (7 years ago, so obviously prices have gone up) for £20. Don't pay massive money unless you specifically really like this one in particular.

Argh. What would you reckon it's worth if it's reproduction?

Me too, very similar to my early 90s “Victorian” fireplace in my last house. They were quite the thing if I recall.

It’s almost identical to the living room fireplace in my Edwardian terrace (which I think is original but don’t much care).

Cross posts! Thank you, @ElizabethinherGermanGarden!

Thanks to othe PPs too. Fairly unanimous that it's reproduction then.

I have one of these fireplaces complete with wooden fire surround. It’s in my shed and has been for years. I’d happily give it to someone to get rid. I advertised it for £30 and no interest. this one

I wouldn’t pay more than £40. 🤷‍♀️

I've had a look on my local Facebook marketplace and the prices for Edwardian style surrounds range between £45 for obviously original, unrestored with some cracks in the tiles to £250 for obviously repro, very horrid and shiny. The average seems to be about £125-150 for the nice level of repro that looks similar in quality to yours.

One thing that is worth knowing about is blacking polish. It is absolutely like magic. If you buy a slightly knackered looking original, get the rust off with a wire brush and some rust remover, then polish with blacking and it will look amazing. I'm not going to lie, it's not a lovely job and you will look like a chimney sweep, but it takes about 4 hours all told and is totally worth it.

These products are good

Thank you Elizabeth! OK, I think I'll ask the seller what they think they'd like for it in light of the fact that it's reproduction rather than original as they'd thought, and take it from there.

Oh blimey, blacking polish! It's a whole new world! I'm actually quite up for having a go at it, but honestly (as this thread proves) have no clue really where to begin looking to find an original fireplace. I'm in East London so it shouldn't be hard I suppose, I'm just totally unknowledgeable about this stuff.

Just bear in mind that repro are often more expensive than original! Mostly because they are complete and not damaged. If you have access to a van for picking up, you'll get much cheaper outside London. Good luck with it - you will love it once it's in and it won't matter whether original or not.

Make sure the grate will fit! They are not all a standard size. Personally I think the link is a big garish. There are much nicer tiles panels available.

Quite surprised the seller can even get on the internet since their wifi router is literally in the fire grate

That's definitely repro.

I don't believe its original. The rails at the front don't appear to be fixed or latched on the to surround which they would be if it were original as otherwise the coal could tip the front over it over.

Also there is no fire-back , just the bricks, and I doubt that anyone would remove that whilst retaining an original fireplace. My vote is that it is a reproduction.