Style Napoleon III / Ref.15362

Léonard-Antoine PIÉRON, Mechanical Fire Screen Decorated with Felines, Second Half of the 19th Century

This richly sculpted Napoleon III spark guard was crafted in the second half of the 19th century by the Piéron workshop.

Our spark guard is a fine example of Léonard Piéron’s creativity and taste. It rests on an architecturally designed base, above which unfolds a wild landscape inhabited by felines. At the center, a lion emerges from a cave, surrounded by reeds that partially conceal a rocky ground. On either side, two lionesses grapple with serpents on elevated rocks; one appears to have subdued its adversary, pinning its neck with her right paw, while the other is mid-struggle, as the snake attempts to strike her throat. In the background, two palm trees balance the composition, with large leaves concealing hooks designed to hold a poker or shovel. The central part of the spark guard is movable and can be raised or lowered using reed-shaped levers that blend seamlessly with the ornamentation, depending on the user’s needs. When raised, it takes the form of a light, intricate, fan-like screen.

The mechanism of this spark guard is what sets it apart. This ingenious system was extensively described and praised by Mr. Bonin: “In recent times, stores have showcased fire guards that mimic peacock tails, which attract attention with their beauty and originality. This superb creation is credited to Mr. Piéron. It consists of a series of copper leaves, stored tightly together at the base in a real box, which unfold to form a half-circle resembling a peacock’s tail. This fan does not open or close all at once, allowing one to gradually shield themselves from an overly vigorous fire. Notably, even when the “peacock tail” is fully opened, it still allows heat to pass through thanks to the perforated copper leaves. To close the fan, one presses a pedal on the right with the foot, and the screen retracts in stages, immediately covered by a lid. To reopen it, a second pedal on the left is pressed, and the fan reappears, leaf by leaf. This mechanism, surprising and delightful like a theatrical effect, is extremely clever. It consists mainly of two arms that move back and forth via pedals operating on a double-toothed rack. Since the mechanism is foot-operated, it allows the screen to open and close without exposing the operator’s face to the heat. Moreover, Mr. Piéron, a man of taste as well as an inventive mind, sometimes replaces the peacock tail with a rising sun, bouquets of flowers, etc., creating fire guards of great beauty and richness. In this way, he has expanded the scope of decorative art. Thus, Mr. Piéron’s creation deserves recognition as one of the most ingenious and successful ornamentation achievements in recent times.”

The journal L’Utile et l’Agréable also highlighted this spark guard, emphasizing its multifunctionality as a “semi-transparent screen, an elegant ashtray, and a fire guard”.

Piéron was a prolific inventor who filed numerous patents throughout his career to protect his creations from being copied. The patent for the “mechanical ashtray-screen” that interests us was filed on April 14, 1849, for a term of 15 years, with the decree published on June 13, 1850. In July of the same year, the inventor filed two supplementary certificates. These “mechanical screens” were still patented in 1873, indicating the patent was renewed after the initial term expired. These patents are a guarantee of authenticity.

The Piéron workshop was founded in 1830 by engineer and bronze manufacturer Léonard-Antoine Piéron (or Pieron) and remained active until the late 19^th century. The workshop participated in several exhibitions, including the French Industrial Exhibitions of 1844 and 1849, where it won a bronze medal, and the Universal Expositions of 1851 in London and 1855 in Paris. At the latter, Piéron presented one of his mechanical fire guards, described as “forming a fan that opens and closes at will with light foot pressure, combining great convenience with elegant design”. He received first- and second-class medals for his work.

The workshop was listed in most Parisian commercial and industrial almanacs from 1841 to the early 20^th century. Initially named L. Piéron (1841-1870), it later became “Piéron Frères” (1870-1876) and “Piéron Aîné” (likely still Léonard) before being taken over by engineer Émile Langlois in 1894. Langlois retained the “former maison Piéron” label alongside his name, emphasizing continuity in quality production.

Over the years, the company mainly produced bronzes and wire-drawing. In 1848, “Pieron (L.) runs a molding store for window frames in very fine models; copper displays, rising and falling, plain and chased for novelty stores, hat-holders, pilgrim-holders, meter-holders in various models; copper picture rails, and generally everything relating to store and store interiors; cast-iron and copper hat-holders of all kinds”. The company’s “mechanical screen fire guards” are mentioned in the Almanach de Messieurs les Fabricants de Bronze Réunis de la Ville de Paris in 1852. In the 1873 Annuaire-almanach, it is even the only item mentioned: “fire guards, mechanical screens, patented article, only manufacturers Pieron Frères”. Between 1874 and 1875, the company moved from 13, rue des Enfants-Rouges, where it had been located since at least 1841, to 37, rue des Archives. From 1882 onwards, the company seemed to specialize in the manufacture of displays of all kinds: this is the name under which it is mentioned until it was taken over by Langlois in 1894. The company moved for the last time in 1891 to 81, rue des Archives.