Huge Breathtaking 53 kg Solid Iron Fire Back Historical Aesthetics 'God and my Right' 17th or 18th Century

Please note that I have had an operation and will be unable to dispatch larger items till later in the month, as I am not supposed to move heavy items etc. My partner will continue to try and get smaller items out as normal. If you would like to know if we can get your item out in our normal timeframes, please just message us with a link and we will let you know. If you are happy to wait for your item, then please go ahead and place your order as normal! Thanks for your business, and your patience and understanding. Chris

This is a large, exceptionally old and heavy cast iron fireback, featuring the Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom. With a majestic lion and unicorn flanking the central shield, and the iconic motto "Dieu et mon droit" ("God and my right"), this fireback is a true piece of history. To the top right is a large 'C'

It weighs a whopping 80 kg. it is basically a dead weight of solid iron. It is very well preserved; it has a slightly rusty patina, but the features remain sharp. There is no damage, there are some maker flaws as you would expect but these only notice on close inspection

I have researched this on line and AI and this is what I have found.

Dating a cast iron fireback requires a combination of physical characteristics, design elements, and historical context. Based on what you've described—thickness (3 cm), rough-textured back, sharp detailing, the British Royal Coat of Arms with "Dieu et mon droit," and the letter "C"—here’s how you can estimate its age:
1. Thickness & Casting Quality (Suggests 17th–18th Century or Earlier)
• Older firebacks, especially from the 17th and early 18th centuries, were often much thicker and heavier than later ones.
• The rough back suggests early sand casting or loam casting, typical of pre-19th-century ironwork.
• Later Victorian-era reproductions (19th century) tended to be thinner and more refined on the back, while yours sounds much earlier due to its depth and casting marks.
2. The British Royal Coat of Arms (Used Since the 1600s, but Style Matters)
• The lion and unicorn with "Dieu et mon droit" has been a feature of the British monarchy since James I of England (1603–1625).
• If the coat of arms includes a shield divided into four quarters, it could help pinpoint the reign of a particular monarch (e.g., earlier versions feature the fleur-de-lis of France, which was dropped in 1801).
• If the fireback is highly symmetrical and detailed, it could be Georgian (1714–1837), while rougher, more primitive designs are likely earlier (1600s).
3. The "C" Marking (Possible Maker's Mark or Foundry Identifier)
• Some early foundries stamped letters or symbols to indicate the maker or region of production.
• It’s possible that "C" represents a specific foundry—if we could find more examples with this mark, it could narrow down the location and period.
• If it’s a royal cipher (e.g., for Charles I or Charles II), this could directly date it to the 17th century.
4. Patina & Wear (Signs of Age & Authenticity)
• A genuine pre-19th-century fireback would show signs of oxidation and natural patina but not deep pitting or rust holes, as high-quality cast iron from that period was extremely durable.
• Sharp detailing suggests it wasn’t a worn-out reproduction, meaning it was well-preserved or early in its casting life.
Conclusion: Likely 17th or 18th Century
Most likely date range: Late 17th century to early 18th century (circa 1650–1750).
• If the details are more primitive and the casting is crude, it could be from the late 1600s (Restoration period, Charles II era, 1660–1685).
• If the fireback is more refined with clear, crisp details, it could be early to mid-1700s (Georgian era, 1714–1760s).

Please refer to the photographs for a closer look at the details and view the overall condition. Feel free to message with any questions.
Height 63 cm
Width 71 cm
Depth 3 cm

DELIVERY.
This will be delivered by hand by a proper furniture courier.
Delivery is free to mainland England and Wales only.
There will be a cost anywhere else so please, contact us for a quote.
This will cost us between £60-80 so if you wish collect from Lewes in East Sussex we will refund the saved courier charges.
The couriers will arrange a day and time window with you.
Delivery is to the front door. Should the item be large the courier will need a hand your end or contact us and we will arrange a more expensive two man delivery.
It will take about 2 weeks.
Please forward your telephone number after placing the order for us to pass onto the courier so they arrange a convenient date and time window for you.