How can you tell if wrought iron is an antique?

To tell if wrought iron is an antique, first check to see if there are any maker's marks on the piece. By researching these marks using trusted online resources, you can typically determine who produced a piece of furniture and when they were active and producing furnishings similar to yours. If the company was in business and crafting similar pieces 100 years ago or more, then the wrought iron table, chair or other item may be an antique. However, if the business opened recently or the style was offered more recently than a century ago, your item is likely not antique. If you cannot locate a maker's mark, inspect your furniture closely. Antique pieces often show signs of handcrafting, such as slight imperfections or irregularities. Also, antique wrought iron often has signs of wear, such as pitting in the metal or scratches due to age. If you're still uncertain whether your item is antique, you can ask a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer to date it. Shop an assortment of antique wrought iron furniture on 1stDibs.

Antique Iron Tongs

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Antique Iron Tongs For Sale on 1stDibs

An assortment of antique iron tongs is available at 1stDibs. Each of these unique antique iron tongs was constructed with extraordinary care, often using iron, metal and wrought iron. Antique iron tongs have been produced for many years, with earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 20th Century. There are many kinds of antique iron tongs to choose from, but at 1stDibs, Louis XV, Victorian and Neoclassical antique iron tongs are of considerable interest.

How Much are Antique Iron Tongs?

Prices for antique iron tongs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, antique iron tongs begin at $97 and can go as high as $2,900, while the average can fetch as much as $296.

Finding the Right Fireplace-tools-chimney-pots for You

If your chilly winter nights are largely spent warming up by the fireplace, you’re going to need a set of antique or vintage fireplace tools and chimney pots to keep things tidy.

There’s something intrinsically primal yet comforting about having a fire in one’s home. A fire in a fabulous antique fireplace brings warmth, both literal and intangible, to a living room, den or bedroom. On a cold, snowy night, there is nothing quite so satisfying as having a warm cup of mulled wine and watching the flames dance in golden splendor.

Of course, one needs the accompanying accoutrements to keep a fireplace orderly. However, newly minted tools may not match the carefully considered decor and specific furniture style that you had in mind for your space. Fortunately, antique and vintage fireplace tools were so well made that they still work decades later. These pieces also have the added benefit of being quite stylish and elegant in their design so they won’t stand out in a minimalist space.

Andirons keep the logs off the floor of the fireplace so air can better circulate and keep the fire bright. An andiron, importantly, will prevent a burning log from rolling out of a fireplace and keep a fire burning evenly as well as prevent any mess from accumulating. Some andirons are simple iron brackets to elevate the wood, but others are more ornate baskets that introduce a touch of luxury to the fireplace.

Chimney pots are extensions added to the top of a smokestack. They’re completely visible from your home’s exterior, so choose one that you love. We like a tapered terracotta version. A chimney pot will elongate the chimney as well as help draft air to keep a fire alight. It may also prevent smoke from billowing around the room, which is, of course, extremely hazardous to your health. A fire’s smoke will also damage your furniture as well as any adjacent art. Smoke and soot can stain, leaving things to look dreary and dark. Chimney pots were very popular in the 18th and 19th centuries, and Victorian-era chimney pots still make for an attractive addition to contemporary homes.

We can all agree that a fireplace is going to elevate your space. To complete the look, find a collection of antique and vintage fireplace tools and chimney pots today on 1stDibs.

Questions About Antique Iron Tongs

How can you tell if wrought iron is an antique?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 20, 2024
To tell if wrought iron is an antique, first check to see if there are any maker's marks on the piece. By researching these marks using trusted online resources, you can typically determine who produced a piece of furniture and when they were active and producing furnishings similar to yours. If the company was in business and crafting similar pieces 100 years ago or more, then the wrought iron table, chair or other item may be an antique. However, if the business opened recently or the style was offered more recently than a century ago, your item is likely not antique. If you cannot locate a maker's mark, inspect your furniture closely. Antique pieces often show signs of handcrafting, such as slight imperfections or irregularities. Also, antique wrought iron often has signs of wear, such as pitting in the metal or scratches due to age. If you're still uncertain whether your item is antique, you can ask a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer to date it. Shop an assortment of antique wrought iron furniture on 1stDibs.

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