Old fireplace insert

We have a gas fireplace insert probably from the very late 1800's to the early 1900's. It has very ornate brass/iron grill work over what looks like an asbestos glow cloth?? We are assuming it is too dangerous to use but were thinking about saving the grill work and trying to fit something that could at least glow and maybe heat behind the grill. Looks like the fire box would be too small for 18 inch logs. Any advice would be appreciated. Also any advice on what this unit is and how it might have been used would be great. The house was equipted with gas lights. HS.

If you plan on reusing the piece be careful. Most asbestos laden objects aren't necessarily harmful to you. It's when you start to tear it apart and the asbestos dust starts circulating in the air that it becomes dangerous.

Open fireplaces, regardless of fuel, are very uneconomical and in some areas, are illegal during periods of air stagnation. Most of the heat is wasted up the chimney. I would suggest that your best alternative is a new gas insert. You can get the atmosphere of a fire, you can get quite a lot of heat if desired, and they can be used anytime.