Its andirons have armorial plates and wrought brass finials. Andirons provided a rack for spit roasting, and trivets for pots. Andirons and other iron work were forged from railroad tracks. The fireplace is wide and high, and retains the ancient andirons, used for burning wood. Sometimes, smaller pairs were placed between the main andirons for smaller fires. Some fireboards have notches cut out of the lowest edge to accommodate andirons. They may be incorporated into small stands, tables, or andirons.