exceptional all original 19th century salvaged chicago dawson brothers residential fireplace gas insert with copper-plated finish

1890's antique american ornamental cast iron interior residential gas burning fireplace insert or grill designed and fabricated by the dawson brothers, chicago, il. the heavily decorated ironwork contains a partially intact copper-plated finish. the mixer valve on/off key and flue handle are original and intact. the surround and protruding hood are replete with detailed foliage. the sheet iron backing remains intact. good 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.