Question 1

What is the difference between iron and cast iron?

Accepted Answer

The difference between iron and cast iron comes down to content. Iron is generally pure iron, a chemical element that is a solid metal at room temperature. Cast iron is a mix of iron, carbon, silicon, manganese, sulfur, phosphorus and other elements. Both iron and cast iron can be used to produce furniture, cookware, decorative objects and other items. Generally, cast iron is heavier than iron. Shop an assortment of iron and cast iron pieces on 1stDibs.

Question 2

Who invented cast iron?

Accepted Answer

The name of the person who invented cast iron is unknown. However, anthropologists and archaeologists have determined that the ancient Chinese were the first to develop it. The earliest known examples of cast iron date back to the 6th century B.C. Cast iron production didn't begin in Europe until the 14th century A.D. Shop a collection of cast iron furniture and decorative objects on 1stDibs.

Question 3

What are cast iron columns?

Accepted Answer

Cast iron columns are vertical supports produced out of cast iron, a material made from iron and alloys with a carbon content of more than two percent. During the 19th century, cast iron columns were used in architecture. Today, they primarily function as decorative objects. Shop a range of cast iron columns on 1stDibs.

Question 4

Are cast iron columns hollow?

Accepted Answer

Whether cast iron columns are hollow depends on the piece. Most cast iron columns are hollow due to the manner of crafting, but some are solid. On 1stDibs, find a selection of columns.

Question 5

Can I use cast iron as a planter?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can generally use cast iron as a planter because the material is durable and sturdy. However, you may need to drill drainage holes in a cast iron piece that wasn't intended to function as a planter to allow excess water to exit the vessel. On 1stDibs, find a selection of cast iron planters.

Question 6

What is a cast iron fireplace insert?

Accepted Answer

A cast iron fireplace insert is a firebox that fits into an existing fireplace surround. The insert is made of cast iron, a type of iron that is more than 2 percent carbon. Cast iron is highly durable and very resistant to the effects of heat. You'll find a selection of cast iron fireplace inserts on 1stDibs.

Question 7

What are cast iron trivets used for?

Accepted Answer

Cast iron trivets are used for many things but are especially ideal for slow cooking meat. They can prop up food in Dutch ovens to prevent burning and increase heat distribution.

Question 8

When were cast iron doorstops made?

Accepted Answer

Cast iron doorstops originated in the late 18th century. Osbourn Dursey invented the first doorstop in 1878. Decorative cast iron stops became popular in the 1920s and remained so throughout World War II. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of antique cast iron doorstops.

Question 9

Is cast iron stronger than steel?

Accepted Answer

Cast iron is stronger than steel.

Question 10

How do I keep cast iron from rusting?

Accepted Answer

To keep a piece made of cast iron from rusting, place it in a cool, dry space with good air circulation.

Question 11

How do I hang a cast iron bell?

Accepted Answer

How to hang a cast iron bell depends on the style. Some cast iron bells have loops at the top that you can hang from a hook anchored onto your desired mounting surface. Others have brackets or frames that you can secure with mounting screws. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of cast iron bells.

Question 12

Do cast iron tables rust?

Accepted Answer

Yes, cast iron tables can rust. Pieces are more likely to develop rust when exposed to humidity, such as in bathrooms or outdoor living spaces in coastal areas. Wiping surfaces clean regularly and touching up scratches and chips can reduce the risk of rust. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of cast iron tables.

Question 13

Do cast iron Firebacks work?

Accepted Answer

Yes, cast iron firebacks are quite sturdy and work really well. As they are made of solid iron, it's a challenge to move and place them. Given that, cast iron firebacks are the best protection for the back wall of the fireplace. Find a variety of firebacks on 1stDibs.

Question 14

Does cast-iron furniture rust?

Accepted Answer

Yes, cast-iron furniture rusts.

Question 15

Why is cast iron used for benches?

Accepted Answer

Cast iron is often used for benches because of its characteristics. Its strength makes it well-suited to support the weight of two or more adults, and its hardness allows it to resist damage due to weather exposure. Shop a range of cast iron benches on 1stDibs.

Question 16

Why is cast iron used for fireplaces?

Accepted Answer

Cast iron is frequently used for fireplaces due to its properties. The metal is highly durable, allowing it to hold up to the effects of frequent use. It also readily conducts heat to help warm up interiors. You'll find a variety of cast iron fireplaces on 1stDibs.

Question 17

When were cast iron beds made?

Accepted Answer

Cast iron beds were made starting in the 1850s. These types of beds were handmade until World War I through the use of molds.

Question 18

How can you tell the difference between cast iron and wrought iron?

Accepted Answer

Unlike cast iron, wrought iron is not brittle and will bend rather than break. Wrought ironwork is produced with a hammer and anvil and tends to be more intricate than cast ironwork, which is characterized by repetitive designs that can be carved into a wooden pattern and cast.

Question 19

Are cast iron door stops valuable?

Accepted Answer

To tell if a cast iron doorstop is valuable, always look for original paint. Any that have been repainted or repaired will have diminished in value. You can also use online resources to try and research items, but the best way to find out if a cast iron doorstop is worth anything is to consult a certified appraiser. An experienced professional can evaluate the condition, determine the maker and research the piece to assign an approximate value. On 1stDibs, find a range of doorstops.

Question 20

Do cast iron umbrella stands rust?

Accepted Answer

Yes, cast iron umbrella stands and anything made of cast iron can rust. Keeping your cast iron umbrella stand away from moisture and humidity is the best way to keep it from rusting. However, because it is designed to hold wet umbrellas that may be impractical. Some people like to paint cast iron to protect it from rusting. You’ll find a variety of cast iron and other umbrella stands from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Cast Iron Chess

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Games

Carl Aubock Modernist Cast Iron Chess Game Set with Handmade Leather Board

Recent Sales

20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Games

Carl Aubock Modernist Cast-Iron Chess Game with Leather Board and Box

Vintage 1960s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Tables

Mid-Century Chess Brass Cast Iron Stand

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Andirons

Pair of Chess Piece Form Enameled Cast Iron Andirons

Antique Late 19th Century English Game Tables

Occasional Table with Specimen Marble Chessboard Top

Late 20th Century Spanish Tables

1970s Spanish Round Iron Garden Table w/ Chess Board Cast Stone Top

Vintage 1960s Austrian Games

Rare Chess Set by Carl Auböck

People Also Browsed

Vintage 1930s French Arts and Crafts Stools

A solid oak stool or footrest - Art crafts - 1930 - France.

2010s American Modern Cabinets

Amuneal s Brass Pantry Cabinetry

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Beds and Bed Frames

21st O Connell I Bed Rattan Wood Leather Handmade in Portugal by Wood Tailors

2010s Scandinavian Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Dia Contemporary LED Chandelier, Config. 3, Brass, Handmade, Art

20th Century American Art Nouveau Table Lamps

Tiffany Studios Spider Lamp

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Wardrobes and Armoires

Giuseppe Rivadossi for Officina Rivadossi Bedroom Divider Wardrobe Walnut

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sideboards

George Nakashima Double Sliding-Door Cabinet in American Black Walnut

Vintage 1970s American Brutalist Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Vintage Paolo Soleri Ceramic Mobile Sounding Sculpture

Vintage 1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

1949 Hunting Chair Borge Mogensen Erhard Rasmussen Labeled Leather Sling Lounge

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Beds and Bed Frames

21st Century O Connell II Bed Wood Leather Handmade in Portugal by Wood Tailors

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Sofas

21st Century Dakota Sofa Armrest Aged Brushed Brass Nobuck Made in Portugal

Vintage 1950s Indian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Four X Frame Chairs by Pierre Jeanneret Eulie Chowdhury, Chandigarh India 1959

Vintage 1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Tableware

Carl Auböck Nutcracker, Austria, 1960s

Vintage 1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Baskets

Carl Auböck Dust Brush, Austria 1960s

2010s Thai Organic Modern Stools

Gilles CAFFIER (1963) ceramic stool, leather top, signed and dated

More Ways To Browse