Knight on Horseback Backplate

Hi, purchased this cast iron (22" x 26") plate of a knight on horseback but I don't know what it was used for. Google lens came up with 'fireplace backplate' but that didn't make sense. The three 'plates' could be separate from the frame by removing two bolts per.
Is it part of a coal stove or furnace or purely decorative? As always, thanks for your help

 

Fireplace cover, according to:
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/en-...ian-cast-iron-mounted-knight-fireplace-cover/

To be used like this

 

I'd like to remove some of the rust w/out pitting it too badly. Any suggestions?

I followed the above link to liveauctioneers which says the same item sold for $600US. I can only wish......... but it's good to see there is value here. (Cited from: https://www.antiquers.com/threads/knight-on-horseback-backplate.88522/)

 

Should have included this image:

 

Lye/White vinegar/Coca Cola bath?

 

@joe blowski don't use Lye, it won't remove rust. Lye is used to clean the gunk off skillets/dutch ovens, etc to get them ready to re-season.

maybe first try using warm water and a sponge/brush to remove the green verdis, make sure to dry thoroughly. Once done you can rub some oil (very lightly) onto the piece. If that doesn't clean it all, try the vinegar and water method.

from the Wagner and Griswold Society page


http://www.wag-society.org/Electrolysis/lye.php#:~:text=Rust:,in the bath too long.