Antique cast iron stoves can often offer a challenge to locate for some people. Because of their inherent strength and durability they do last for many years, but when one finds a home it usually stays there for many years. One great place to start the journey of locating any antique cast iron stoves is online auctions. Many people that want to sell them will list their items on online auctions because they know it would get more of a response than the traditional hometown paper.
A few aspects you may consider when locating an antique cast iron stoves is not only the overall condition of the piece but many other factors as well. For instance how many top plates does the stove have, top plates are equivalent to the current burner, and it’s a place for a pot or pan. Also what type of fuel does the stove burn, is it wood, coal, or gas.
You may also want to consider what you want to use the stove for, do you want to cook on it or do you want it for decoration. Another great aspect of antique cast iron stoves is that they produce a large amount of heat; therefore they not only cook your food but also keep you warm in the winter months. Could you just imagine cooking on one in a mountain cabin in the middle of a cold snowy winter day and feeling the welcomed heat soothe you cold body.
Antique Cast Iron Stoves are a sought after commodity by collectors and every day people looking for the old fashion look Antique Cast Iron Stoves lend to a room. There are five main types of Antique Cast Iron Stoves. The Box Stove, Franklin Stove, Parlor Stove, Potbelly Stove and Cylinder Stove. Cast Iron Stoves began to be mass produced around 1728. The first stoves were of German design and named Jamb stoves or Five Plate stoves. In the mid 1700’s Benjamin Franklin designed the “Pennsylvania Fireplace”, improving on the original designs. Shortly thereafter the six plate stove and ten plate stove were designed. These designs were the precursors to cook stoves.
Franklin Stoves are cast iron stoves with an open face. These Antique Cast Iron Stoves were designed to give people a clear view of the fire. Interestingly, after inventing the Franklin stove, Ben Franklin founded the first fire company and fire insurance company. Antique Cast Iron Stoves produced in the Potbelly design were made to throw off as much heat as possible. These Antique Cast Iron Stoves were used mainly in public gathering places such as general stores and were very popular.
The Parlor Stove was designed to be a show piece in Victorian parlor rooms. These Antique Cast Iron Stoves tend to be more detailed in their designs with more flourishes, adding to the lavishness of the parlor rooms.
The Box Stove was developed around the time of the Revolutionary war. These Antique Cast Iron Stoves gained popularity quickly. Part of the appeal of these stoves was hearty amount of warmth they gave off coupled with the ability to transport them easily. Finally, the Cylinder Stove is Antique Cast Iron Stove that uses the least amount of space while continuously providing generous amounts of heat for a room. The combustion chamber is more compact on these Antique Cast Iron Stoves. These Antique Cast Iron Stoves were once a status symbol for those in possession of them. Cast Iron was the perfect material for the artist to create ample flourishes and minute details while providing a product that would withstand years of use.
These stoves can still be found today in wonderful condition.
