Try posting a question on the Old House Web (Oldhouseweb.com) or some other site dedicated to old houses. Your red tile might be original, tile that has to withstand the heat of a fire and likely to get very sooty is not generally decorative.

However, if it is original, you probably shouldn't use your fireplace much without getting the chimney checked out. They often weren't lined to today's standard. We had a company send a camera up our, and they were inadequately lined and one had a cracked lining. One was unusable, the other we were recommended not to use often. Our fireplace surrounds are wood, a testament to the expectation that the face won't get hot.

We have original tile hearths, which are green, a lighter green than yours.

Thanks! We're not planning on using it as a wood burning fireplace but we're keeping the chimney in case we want to add a gas fireplace that's vented. The gas line comes up right in the middle.

Hi Kate,
What a lovely discovery! Congrats on deciding to save it. I would recommend using a product called "Soy Gel" made by Franmar. It is thick enough to set up in the cracks but it is extremely gentle and non-toxic. We use their products to remove and suspend set up asbestos black tar from a MCM concrete floor. Now you'd never know that it was there! Use a toothbrush and maybe a small pick or scraper after you let it set up. Make sure to tape and cover the surrounding areas. The product is very strong and oily and will stain.

You will then need to clean the grout very well with soap and water. I would then recommend following that with recoloring the grout.

For the inside of the fireplace- I think that a black or pewter fireplace paint would help make the green be more of the original star that it is. It would also make it easier for you to decorate around.

Here are the product links:
http://www.amazon.com/SOY-Gel-Paint-Urethane-Remover-Quart/dp/B0002Z11MY

http://www.efireplacestore.com/cpf-43400.html

Happy Restoration!
isARK Studio

I would probably change/darken the grout. That is a neat find! If you do not use it, put large series of candles in it.

Thanks so much! We have decided to paint the room a nice cool gray after we strip the wallpaper to compliment the green fireplace which will certainly be a center piece.

What other art deco finds are in the house, in addition to the stained glass windows you showed on your other post. Just curious.

Do you think the mantle is original?

Here is a discussion on tile from the 1920's that is interesting.
http://mydesigndreams.com/?p=897

And here is a link to a local (to me) tileworks that has wonderful ideas. Maybe find some accent tiles here?
https://www.motawi.com

But your tile may have been made by these world famous pottery folks. Still going strong in Detroit MI.
http://www.pewabic.org/stratton-collection

Cool fireplace. Keep your eyes peeled for an art deco firescreen. Even if you don't plan to use the fireplace, it would be the perfect finishing touch.

The tile is even more beautiful in these pics! I love it! The work will be worth it!

I'm wondering if this is a version of Structural Clay Tile.

First time I've seen it used in a fireplace and glazed.

....and yet there is actually someone still making the product. Yeah!
I've only seen it on buildings sixty plus years old. I need to get out more.


Here's someone who may be able to tell you the best way to clean it:
http://www.elginbutler.com/products.php?page=sgt&subpage=additional

love the art deco style. One of my favourites.
here is a link to decorative tile which would look nice where you have the trapezoid style shape over the front of the opening. Enjoy
https://www.google.ca/search?q=green+tile+art+deco+fireplace&client=firefox-a&hs=4SX&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=TgIyUpChIomjqgH-14CQCA&ved=0CDIQsAQ&biw=1024&bih=605&dpr=1

another idea for the firebox surround See the deco detail.

It doesn't look like tile to me but more like the brick was stained green... so you need more help in determining if this was so.