Gilded Bronze Andirons/Chenets

Hello All,

This is my second post of probably many over the next few months.

Need help putting an age on this set of Andirons or Chenets I inherited from my Dad's collection. The only mark I found on them was what may be an "RG" on the back of both.

 

Wow! And what in the world should we call those beasties?

 

I pity the woman who has never known the pleasures of collecting shoes.

 

Ha! I don't know, tails are kinda hot.

Tried looking up "half woman half lion half worm" and got nothing appropriate to post in this forum!

 

And grumpy when hungry!

 

Only realised now that the 2 are not exactly the same. In the 1st it looks like claws and in the other more like arms..Maybe Melusine-The serpent queen/goddess?

 

Those are a mix of mermaid/siren aren't they? Bird claws, fish tails.

Debora

 

Yes, they are not exact reverse images of themselves. Echidna, Melusine are possible models for these gals. I'm thinking those front gams are more lion paws then bird. Just enough monster in them to scare the kiddos away from the fireplace I guess.

Found this pair on the internets. Look to be from the same molds. Price says they really like them more than I think most people will!

French Regence Louis XV Ormolu Bronze Chenets