French Antique 18th Century Limestone Mantel

A French antique limestone fireplace mantel from the 18th century, in three pieces: a broad horizontal lintel resting on two heavy corbel-form legs. The pale beige stone is deeply pitted and marked with irregular wear, dark tan staining and softened edges. At the center of the front panel is a heart in relief, framed by floral and leaf branches above a continuous molding line and a stylized scroll. The stepped shelf has worn soft over the years, and there is significant chipping along its edge; we would not touch it.

It measures 52 inches wide, 15 inches deep and 57 inches high. The opening is about 49 inches high, and the shelf itself is about 8 inches thick; the inside depth of the returns is around 13 inches.

Set this antique fireplace mantel against dark brick, smooth lime plaster or a deep wall color and the heart and branches become the detail the room is built around. The thick shelf takes iron candlesticks, a mirror or a row of ceramics. It suits a traditional living room, a primary bedroom or a careful restoration. The limestone fireplace mantel is in Marina Del Rey; come and see it, or ask us for photographs and a quote.