Style Napoleon III / Ref.10776

"L'Escargot Remois" by Alfred Lefebvre (1845-1916), rare enameled cast iron stove

Rare and exceptional old enameled cast iron stove, "L’Escargot Rémois” (The Snail from Reims), representing an important snail moving on a large leaf. The beautifully colored stove and was made around 1890. It was mentioned in 1892 by the Society for Agriculture, Science and the Arts of Marne, which awarded a gold medal to its designer, Alfred Lefebvre. At the beginning of the 20th century, the L’Escargot Rémois is still marketed by a Parisian manufacturer, G. Duhayon.

The stove that we present bears the mark of Alfred Lefebvre, a personality of the city of Reims. A manufacturer of heaters and hydrotherapy machines, whose workshop was located at 80, place Drouet-d'Erlon in Reims, it is also known for having gathered a very important collection of antique firebacks.

Born in Trépail in 1845 in a very modest family, Alfred Lefèbvre was a small worker, a specialist in heating, installing and maintaining fireplaces. In the 1880s, however, he gained such an important reputation that he had a factory of heating and hydrotherapy equipment. His shop, in the posh building of 80, place Drouet d'Erlon in Reims, is an attraction of the city. He created original stoves, including "L'Escargot Rémois", the "Fulgore Stove", and "Malgré Tout".

Alfred Lefèbvre realized the heating system of many buildings in Reims: the General Hospital, the bathing establishment, and for many merchants including restaurants. Offering high-quality services, his systems were guaranteed for eighteen years.

His collection of fireback adorned the shop of place Drouet d'Erlon, which was a real attraction and a curiosity of the city. It had gathered around 310 antique firebacks from the region, 76 of which were shown at the Retrospective Exhibition of the archiepiscopal palace of Reims in 1895. At the sale of his belongings, these plates entered the Museums of France and Belgium.