A few easy tests identify cast-iron chairs.
The popularity of cast-iron furniture reached its height in the 19th century. According to "Collectors Weekly," the mid-1850s saw manufacturers producing a diverse range of cast-iron products for the household. The most popular items were chairs and benches because of their use as memorial pieces in cemeteries. Many replicas of cast-iron chairs exist that use different materials, such as aluminum, but a few simple tests can identify cast iron and rule out a fake.
Instructions
1. Cast iron is heavier than most metals.
Pick up the chair and evaluate its weight. Cast iron is extremely heavy and difficult to move easily, whereas a replica will be lighter. If it doesn't feel heavy, it is unlikely to be cast iron.
2. The magnet test will help identify cast iron.
Apply the magnet to each chair segment in turn. The iron will attract the magnet strongly and will rule out an aluminum replica. Test each leg separately in case of any replacements and then move on to the chair base and back rest.
3. A grainy surface may identify cast iron.
Run your hand over the chair surface. Cast-iron chairs commonly use sand molds in construction, so the surface should feel grainy. Check all surfaces carefully, especially those not normally seen, such as the underside of the chair base, in case the chair has only a cast-iron paint effect.
4. Look for small signs of rust.
Look for visible signs of rust. Cast-iron chairs are prone to rust due to moisture interacting with the iron and oxidizing. Check underneath the feet of the legs, as this area is likely to receive the most exposure to dampness. If the chair is excessively rusty, be wary, as this may indicate that the chair is made of steel or wrought iron, both of which are less resistant to rust than cast iron.
5. Surface defects are visible in cast iron.
Look for air bubbles in the cast iron. Scan the surface of the chair slowly in each section, looking for defects in the metal; use a magnifying glass if necessary. Cast iron tends to have manufacturing faults, such as air bubbles, due to the nature of the casting process itself.
6. Cast iron will break rather than bending or denting.
Look for damage and check for the effects of brittle metal. Cast iron is more likely to break than bend when hit directly because of its carbon content, so it is strong but brittle. If you see a chair with dents in the metal, it is probably a replica and not cast iron. Any metal damage that looks like it is broken clean through is an identifiable sign that the chair is probably made of cast iron.
Tags: cast iron, identify cast iron, Cast iron, Cast-iron chairs, cast-iron chairs, chair base
