In the early part of the 20th Century beautiful flower gardens and outdoor entertaining were an integral part of daily life. Leisurely gatherings on the lawn accompanied by a game of croquet or badminton were the norm as was outdoor dinning. Canvas sling chairs and wooden picnic tables no longer sufficed for these lawn parties. In their place, the buying public turned to the beauty and durability of wrought iron furniture.
For the summer of 2022 we are seeing a return to those days of lawn parties and with it a growing demand for vintage lawn furniture. There are many online sources or if you prefer the look, without the mega-price tag, estate sales and country auctions can offer true vintage for a very reasonable price. The key here is to understand what you are looking at.
Wrought iron is easy to identify. Unlike cast iron, that is formed in a mold, wrought iron is fashioned by hand so it will have no mold marks. Watch for random imperfections on the surface that may have been caused by being hammered into shape. Quality antique wrought iron furniture will be much heavier than its cast iron or steel counterparts. Also, be on the lookout for a maker’s mark indication of the manufacturer or the artist responsible for the design. Check the legs and underneath the piece for tags, stickers or stamped or engraved symbols. Note though that a large percentage of old wrought was not marked.
Rust is common on vintage wrought iron and must be removed to enhance the appearance and increase the structural reliability of a piece. Start by scrubbing the iron with a wire brush then brush with a dry paintbrush — this will remove loose flakes. Then, lightly sand. Next, using a mixture of water and commercial rust remover, scrub the surface in a circular motion, then brush again with a dry paintbrush. When finished, use fine steel wool to buff the surface and wipe clean with a damp sponge. After the surface is completely dry apply an oil based primer and then two coats of rust resistant paint applied with a medium bristle brush.
Manufacturers of note include Salterini of Brooklyn 1928-1953, Leinfelder of Wisconsin 1939-1939, Lee Woodard and Sons of Michigan 1910-1939, and Florentine Craft Studio of New York 1910-1939. Unmarked pieces are common but there are distinguishing characteristics that can help you in identification. For example, if you are looking at (original) bright pink, yellow or green paint you are most likely seeing the work of Leinfelder. Woodard and Sons are known for their high back lounge chairs in unique patterns like “Chantilly Rose,” “Chairish,” and “Daisy Floral” and many patio/dining sets will be the work of Salterini or Florentine Craft Studio.
The value of true vintage wrought iron furniture continues to climb with single side chairs now garnering $100 for a unmarked piece to well over $1,000 for the same chair with a makers mark from a major manufacturer. This is an area of buying where it pays to do your research before you shop because, whether by intent or through lack of product knowledge, pieces are very often misrepresented.
BUYING TIP: When shopping for wrought iron furniture make sure to allow in your budget for the purchase of some thick padded cushions, for while it is beautiful, it can be very uncomfortable! Until next time . . . Linda
Linda Kennett is a professional liquidation consultant specializing in down-sizing for seniors and may be reached at 317-258-7835 or lkennett@indy.rr.com
