Antique Soapstone fireplace mantle??

[tylerlew]

I recently picked up this fireplace mantle from an auction for about 90 dollars. After purchasing it i was told that it was soapstone and that the metal insert for the middle was not part of the mantle itself. it came in an assortment of pieces and the way it is together now is with a series of clamps. If anyone could tell me anything about it or where to look for infomation on it, that would be greatly appreciated.

[mart]

http://www.soapstones.com/soapstone_care.html

This should help get it cleaned and oiled !! The insert looks a bit Art Nouveau from the pattern ,,maybe 1890 to 1910 or so !!

[KC]

Love Love Love Soapstone and it is making a resurgence in popularity!!!!  You got a deal!

Soapstone fireplaces/mantles were widely popular in mid 1800's to early 1900's.  I have always heard mineral oil is the way to go on soapstone! 

[bigwull]

I,d be very surprised if this fire surround was made of soapstone.....this looks more like Slate...do you have the frieizes, that were surely stuck to the mantle front and legs....as i can see where they have been..these would have been relief carved,,,also see my link to slate fire surrounds

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=slate+fire+surround&newwindow=1&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=DGKSUpH3MM2M0wX8loGwBA&ved=0CEcQsAQ&biw=1366&bih=639

the market for good quality fire surrounds over here is,nt as good as it was in the 70,s/80,s...but having said that..if this is complete with the freizes, then i,could see this fetching...£750+...thats....$1,217..in your money...however if its incomplete....then you can cut that estimate down to...$300...