largely intact antique american late 19th century victorian era ornamental cast iron interior residential fireplace gas insert designed and patented by the dawson brothers, chicago, il. the fanciful surround features two flanking cherubs nestled in cornucopias. the protruding cast iron hood contains a unique repeating fishscale design motif. the detachable pierced metal ash grate appears to have been removed long ago. the fireplace insert contains a uniform metallic gold enameled finish. the 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 30 1/2 x 24 1/2 x 10 inches.