Metal lining removal 1890 Victorian ??

[oldhouselady]

Hi - I am not certain this is structural. I am looking into installing an insert. With the metal lining it will limit the size tremendously. I am told it can’t be removed - what do you all think? I have a chimney sweep coming in a couple of weeks.
What has been others experience with this?

 

[begreen]

It looks retrofitted. Do a little exploratory surgery. If there is 8" of brick behind it then it should be able to be removed. In an old fireplace and chimney you will need and want a fully insulated liner.

 

[oldhouselady]

Thank you! I thought it looked like at least some of it could be removed The back portion is about 2.5 “ away from what looks like the back wall of the fireplace.

 

[begreen]

It may be cosmetic and retrofitted to dress up the fireplace.