Stove Plate
Date1775
Manufactured by
Massey (Mossy) Creek Furnace
Made under direction of
Bird & Miller
MediumCast iron
DimensionsOverall: 23 1/2 x 21 1/2 x 3/4in. (59.7 x 54.6 x 1.9cm)
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1999-64
DescriptionA cast iron, right side stove plate with a molded border (missing from the right side). The central portion bears the two-line label BIRD & MILLER / MASSEY CREEK FORNACE. A six pointed star appears before "Bird" and an eight-pointed star appears after "Miller." Above, two groups of birds fly to the left on either side of a compass, square and arc. Below is an arrangement of five flowers, including a tulip, two buds and two roses.Label TextThis bold stove plate serves as prime example of the average 18th century American's relaxed approach to standardized spelling. While the body of water this iron works was named for was called Mossy Creek, it appears on this plate as "Massey." Furthermore, "furnace" is misspelled with an "o" instead of a "u."
Believed to have been founded by Henry Miller sometime during the French & Indian War, Pennsylvanian Mark Bird was taken in as a partner in 1774. Never relocating to Virginia, Miller bought Bird's share of the business some four years later. Masonic symbols and foliage are commonly encountered motifs found on stove plates, but the flying birds are unusual, and are a pun on one of the partner’s name. At some point long ago, the right side of this plate was removed, suggesting it was altered for re-use as a fireback.
