A Pair of Régence Ormolu Chenets attributed to Charles Cressent

An identical pair of chenets is illustrated, Alexandre Pradère, Charles Cressent,  Dijon, 2003, p. 206.  It is one of the notable models produced by Cressent, and almost certainly made by Jacques Confesseur who had models recorded in 1737 in the inventory taken after the death of Confesseur's first wife: "Deux grilles, dont une finie à sallemandes et une en modèle de [rayé: bronze ciselé] plomb ... 140 L. (Pradère, op. cit. p. 205).

Salamanders as a decorative theme on these fire tools is an amusing reference to the mythological creature, more or less resembling a lizard and thought capable of living in, or withstanding, fire.  The  phoenix is portrayed, of course, rising from the fire.

An identical pair, possibly the present lot, sold, Sotheby's, Monaco, March 3, 1990, lot 240.