Historically speaking, bellows are used since the medieval Europe (15th-16th century). It was at first a tool used by the blacksmiths to pump air to their fire and fuel the flames, allowing them to raise the rate of heat which enables them to forge metals; and as it is a device that delivers pressurized air in a controlled quantity to a specific location, bellows are later used in a number of applications such as: pipe organs, anesthesia machines, and believe it or not, in cuckoo clocks(it is responsible for the sound of the cuckoo bird call). But the most common and familiar use of a bellow is what we know as a fireplace bellow.
Yes, it is the tool you usually find around the hearth and yes, it is also the tool that keeps you from getting on your hands and feet to blow the dying embers back to life with your own lung power. Much like the medieval blacksmiths, fireplace bellows are used to blow air into the fire and fan the flames. They function as a single air pump. It has an air chamber which expands when the handles are pulled apart and forces out air through the nozzle when the handles are pushed together. This is done continuously to release regular puffs of air which keeps the fire going. Using a bellow to stoke the kindle also produce hotter flame and fires-up logs a lot quicker. This is essential when you’re using wet logs. In addition, fireplace bellows are used earlier on to generate a constant stream of air to blow the ashes when cleaning the fireplace.
There are basically two categories of bellows: the single piston bellow and the double- acting piston bellow. Single piston bellows are commonly used by the blacksmiths, much preferred because of their near constant stream of air. They bring air in and expels the air in two different and distinct motions of the handles. The double-acting piston bellows allow for air to be blown out in both strokes of the bellows’ handles. They are considered stronger and delivers more air than the traditional single piston bellows.
Fireplace bellows are usually built in a triangular shape with wooden handles and even though it was commonly made with an expandable leather or “cloth” middle, nowadays, they are replaced with synthetic vinyl since leather can easily deteriorate overtime. This is a factor that you must take note of when buying an antiquated bellow because although it is uncommon to have an artifact for a fireplace bellow, it is expensive and inconvenient to have it repaired or even replaced in the long run.
Bellows can also be found in different sizes, styles, colors and shape. And since it can be traced back to 930 BC and early Chinese, Roman, and Greek civilization, you can find some antique fire bellows that comes in beautiful finishes and intricate carvings reflecting the era that it has been made. But sadly, old bellows are not easy to come by, especially those in good conditions. As antique dealer Amy Finkel said, “After awhile, when the leather dried out and split, the nails rusted or fell out, making the piece useless, it was often discarded”. That is why it is important to take care of them. For either functional use or decoration purposes, it is important to regularly clean and oil the air chamber’s materials. If taken cared properly, it could even last for decades.
Until today, bellows are still a basic tool on a fireplace hearth. It is also a device that people like to make themselves and design on their own. Many comes with leather attachments and decorations which increase their beauty and aesthetic appeal when placed near a hearth or hung to the side or above a fireplace.
Fireplace bellows may have been in existence for centuries, their applications may have evolved and may still advance in the near future, nevertheless, there is an undeniable truth that they will be always be a tool much appreciated for their functionality and beauty.