Research
Of cast iron and specimen marbles. The circular specimen marbles top of geometric design with central flowerhead and star pattern, contained within concentric inlaid bands of lozenge, guilloche and striped design, and set within a black marble border. The pierced circular stem cast in three joined sections, decorated with leaves and berries, raised on six alternating scroll and pad feet.

Marks:
The base bears a stamped diamond patent registration mark for the date December 20, 1870.

Prior to the nineteenth century, the use of cast iron in the home was mainly limited to the kitchen in the form of cookware and ovens. However, with ever growing technical skills, English foundries expanded their production lines to include decorative objects and architecture, incorporated into the designs of such structures as the Brighton Pavilion and Crystal Palace. Cast iron furniture gained notable popularity in the nineteenth century, “designed to be especially suitable for gardens, conservatories and halls, although useful and purely decorative items [of cast iron] could also be found in other parts of the Victorian home.”¹

Footnotes:

1. Banham, Joanna. Encyclopedia of Interior Design. London: Fitzroy Dearborn Publishers, 1997. 232.

Full research report available on request.