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Catalog Data

Medium:
Cast iron
Dimensions:
32 × 19 in. (81.3 × 48.3 cm)
Style:
Empire
Type:
Bench ends
Date:
ca. 1850-1920
Period:
Victorian (1837-1901)
Description:
Bench End, Eagle Head Motif, Cast Iron Scroll with eagle head arm talon foot front single bench end not pair
Scroll with eagle head arm talon foot front single bench end not pair
single bench end not pair
Label Text:
In the nineteenth century, cast iron manufactories were able to achieve a high enough temperature to produce fluid iron that was poured into intricate molds of compressed sand. Once the iron had cooled, it was removed from the mold. Rough places and sharp edges were then filed away before the piece was bolted together. It would then be painted, varnished, galvanized, or bronzed several times to prevent rust. Settees and benches were cast multiple sections, which were then assembled and bolted together. Customers had the ability to select from a broad range of different finishes, components, and design motifs. Designs followed the trends of the time with natural forms, ornamental motifs pulled from historic revival styles, and complicated shapes. Numerous combinations were possible, and pieces could be varied with the addition of a different leg, seat, arm, or back section. Ends could be attached to cast-iron backrests and seat grates, wood panels, or boards.
Topic:
Benchends  Search this
cast iron  Search this
ends: furniture components  Search this
benches  Search this
Garden ornaments and furniture  Search this
garden seats  Search this
outdoor furniture  Search this
settees  Search this
Credit Line:
Smithsonian Gardens, Horticultural Artifacts Collection.
Accession number:
1984.055
Restrictions & Rights:
Usage conditions apply
See more items in:
Horticultural Artifacts Collection
Data Source:
Smithsonian Gardens
GUID:
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/aq491e6d082-0205-4ce7-9694-1983fdf6315e
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:hac_1984.055