Antique pair of American Encaustic Tile Company fireplace accent tile with a raised wreath design. There is some wear to the tiles as shown in the photos and faint gold paint can still be seen in areas. The back of the tiles are embossed A E T CO LTD for American Encaustic Tile Company which was founded in Zanesville, Ohio, in 1875. 3" square, 3/8" thick each tile.

The American Encaustic Tile Company, also called AETCO or AE (1875-to at least 1945),was founded in Zanesville, Ohio in 1875. There was also a manufacturing plant in Los Angeles that was used to make some of their products. It was one of the most distinguished American makers of household adornments, as well as one of the largest tile producers of modern times. AETCO's wares found their way into countless American houses and public buildings. AETCO provided "artistic" tiles of a very high order of design and execution for innumerable front porches, vestibules, halls, and fireplaces while, at the same time, it helped to convince Americans of the merit of tiled bathrooms and kitchens. The firm closed in 1935 and was then reopened in 1937 as the Shawnee Pottery.