Removing a floating mantle?

[eblend]

Hello,

We got a floating mantel in our new home that we would like to replace with something a little more moderm. Anyone have any idea how floating mantels are mounted to the wall? What is the best way to approach it without causing too much damage around it.

this is kind of the idea of what we have

http://www.ultimatehandyman.co.uk/forum1/files/mantle_001_159.jpg

[eblend]

Nvm, figured it out, seems like it was built right on the spot, there was no ledge bar or anything, the mantle was screwed in right from the inside. I pried one peice of molding off at the side and then was able to hammer on the top peice from the bottom until it lifted off. From there I was able to remove the screws that were holding it. The top was glued on, but hammering it from the bottom got it off. Didn't damage the actual mantel at all, so anyone wants a free mantel? haha