outstanding late 19th century original antique american victorian era copper-plated cast iron interior residential fireplace grate or insert designed and fabricated by the dawson brothers, chicago, il. the surround features two flanking fluted pilasters with corinthian style capitals. the projecting hood features a centrally located female with outswept arms and intricate filigree. two winged cherubs are located on either side of the hood. the two-section pierced metal summer cover contains a remarkable and highly detailed assemblage of foliated scrollwork with centrally located cartouche containing an american eagle. the original copper-plated finish remains largely intact. the fireplace grate was salvaged from a chicago mansion constructed around 1898. c. 1890-95 american gas grate or insert was manufactured by the dawson bros. co., chicago, il. the extant building once containing the dawson brothers factory and offices is located at 517-519 n. halsted street just west of downtown chicago. the red brick factory was constructed in 1888 and designed by architect julius zittel. the five-story building has a cast iron facade on its first floor, along with decorative tie rods and a carved limestone name plaque with date. the dawson brothers used the factory to fabricate highly specialized ornamental fireplace mantels and grates; the building also served as the company's showroom and offices. a six-story addition was added to the building in 1901, which mainly served as a storage and shipping area. the dawson brothers conducted business at the factory until 1929. the building was added to the national register of historic places on february 14, 1985. measures 31 1/2 x 30 1/2 inches.