Can I remove the andirons on my older Resolute (ca.1980)

[ratberg]

Subject says it all, They are just a pain to load wood around sometimes and also make cleaning out ashes difficult... but if they are serving an important purpose I don't want to make a big mistake!
Thanks

 

[webbie]

I think they were often sold as an option! Since that's probably the case, they could be removed....but they do help keep the wood from coming out the front when you open the door, etc.