Help Identifying Belgium Fireplace

[2765tammy]

 I am extremely puzzled with this surround mantel with flu? It has the Belgium Coat of Arms(middle version) as a decoration. What was this used for? Why does it have a handle and chain. Is it Victorian?

[thelmasstuff]

These are pretty common in Europe.  I'd think the handle and chain were to open and close the damper inside the flue