fully functional late 19th century original ornamental cast iron interior residential salvaged chicago fireplace gas insert designed and fabricated by the dawson brothers, chicago, ills. the american victorian era gas insert was salvaged from a

chicago residence built in the 1890's. the fully functional dawson insert features a unique protruding fishscale design hood surrounded by floral motifs. the opening is flanked by two cherubs. the detachable grilles are intact and original to the insert. the 

flue and gas keys are amazingly intact and functional. this design and configuration was the dawson brothers most popular insert - used in many late 19th and early 20th century homes across this city. surface wear consistent with age. the extant dawson brothers factory and office building 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 embossed letter name plaque with date of construction. the dawson brothers used the factory to fabricate highly specialized ornamental fireplace mantels and grates; the building also served as the company's main 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 1921. the building was added to the national register of historic places on february 14, 1985, and was later converted into lofts.