Posted 13 years ago
big-b
(1 item)
fleur de lis Antique cast Iron Coal Grate Box picked this up at a yard sale don't no much about it .Can someone tell me anything about it looks pretty old but in great shape thanks :)
fleur de lis Antique cast Iron Coal Grate Box | ||
| Tools and Hardware9087 of 10103 |  |  |
hi just would like to find out something about this
Picture doesn't show the inside bottom but it should have a tilt ash dump. Most commonly used in a bedroom fireplace. You set it in the fireplace full of coal then built a wood fire under and around it. Light the wood fire which then started the coal. Coal would burn longer than wood and this little jewel would keep the chill off most of the night.
If you paid under $50 you did well. Now days they are more used for a decoration or women like to put potted plants in them.
PS: If you decide to clean it up and restore it DO NOT use paint. Get a bottle of stove black and use it.
thank you fhrjr2 for the info and yes i paid 25.00 for it and it does have the ash dump the pic's are from the day i got it so yes i would like to restore it so thanks again for your help
You did well. If and when you sell it you will be able to get at least five times your investment back and to the right person closer to ten times your investment depending on the overall condition. The last one we sold ( Last November) went for $150. Ours was unmarked so you will probably be able to get more for this one if you can get a bit of background on it.
thanks again fhrjr2 you know the old saying everything has a price would you by chance know where i can get a bit of background on it ?that was one of the reasons i posted it on here hoping someone would be able to tell me a little about it.. it has dates on one side 1604-1631 as well on the back i check it out and there's no cracks / chips or damage to it at all other then a little rust and the screws could be tighten up a bit but other then that it's in perfect shape thanks again for your info really appreciated
I can tell you the name is fairly common and in the condition you state it is in (no cracks or hairline cracks) makes it worth more. As for the screws needing tightening, be aware that they are left a bit loose intentionally to allow for expansion as the metal heats.
Researching these is a bit of a chore because they are called by different names in different parts of the country. I ran your fleur de lis branding and found similar items that ranged from $250 to $1400. Some were obviously more ornate and others rather plain and simple and in various conditions. I will do a bit more research later in the day and see what I find. I wouldn't be to quick to assume 1604 - 1631 are dates. Thinking of just the screws, mass production of screws didn't happen until the late 1700's. It may represent a date or it could also be mold or model numbers or even a series number of parts needed to assemble it. That is why a bit more research is nice to have. A picture of all the markings would be nice to work with.
The numers 1604- 1631 are the manufacturers pattern numbers. Be very careful tightening the screws as cast iron cracks very easily.
I have almost same one but it looks like yours has wheels on the legs. Mine does not. Number on back of mine is 1505-27 and inside on the side pieces it has 1505 R.