original single-sided 19th or early 20th century antique american ornamental cast iron oversized fireplace fireback designed and fabricated by the dawson brothers, chicago, il. the distinctive, neoclassical style iron fireback features a lightly raised or embossed centrally located torche with flame finial surrounded by a laurel wreath and ribbons. the unrestored fireback originally contained two interlocking side panels (removed long ago). great overall condition, considering age. the extant 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. 25 inches x 30 inches.