Incorporating the latest architectural and artistic trends of the Victorian era with the technological innovations of an emerging stove industry, the column stove stands as a superb display or beauty and functionality.

First developed in the 1830s, the column stove was, from its inception, a triumph of the stove industry. Ornately decorated columns serve an extended circulation system for the stove's heated air with an increased surface area that results in a greater heat output.

The highly stylized columns extend from a smaller firebox with side loading door and draft controls for managing the burn of the fire.

Perfumed and spiced waters are placed in a decorative urn or finial located between the columns to add fragrance and humidity to the air.

This 1844 column stove is designed to meet the highest standards in both functionality and beauty. Once a fire is built doors can be left open for viewing or closed to increase efficiency. Clawed nickel feet hold up the intricately cast Victorian firebox and columns. A large nickel vase holds humidifying perfume water. Finally a nickel accented recycling chamber gives way to a silhouetted nickel top piece. This 1844 column stove looks as good as it did the day that it left the foundry.

Columns come to a curl at the top of this stove named the Grange Column #33. Pinwheel doors sit between a matching draft control and clean out door on the extended bottom lip of the stove. Four decorated legs sport the same motif as the body and columns. A centered cook lid can be used for heating water or cocoa and tea. The Grange column stove wil claim a special place in the hearth and heart of any home.

Column stoves were developed in the 1840s by patern makers. These are highly styllized and architectural pieces featuring Vitorian floral designs and intricate scroll work. Many were developed in the Albany and Troy, New York area.

The way that a column stove works is, you build a fire in the fire box from the side. When the fire burns, the smoke travels up the columns which are designed to increase the heat output. It comes to a heat exchanger on top and then the smoke travels out the flue either out the top or the back.

The doors can be opened for a view of the fire. And there are draft controls that help you maintain and have better control over the burn of the fire.

There is often a decorative urn that comes between the columns that can be filled with perfume water or aromatic waters so your room will smell beautiful.

This column stove that we just took a look at is made by the E. C. Gourney company in Hamilton. It is a number 5.