Schiffer
The antique ironware field is covered by this extensive selection of items. Included are architectural hardware, lighting devices, andirons and fireplace equipment, tools, toys, weathervanes, firemarks, kitchen utensils, fences and gates. Many items are in private collections, never before seen publicly, while others are from foremost museums. Concise descriptions of each item identify regional products from the United States and England, and they amplify or provide background for the groups.
A short history of manufacturing processes is presented in the first chapter. Here are discussed the ironworks and functions at Saugus, Massachusetts, of the seventeenth century; Batsto, New Jersey, of the eighteenth century; and Hopewell, Pennsylvania, of the nineteenth century. The importance of blacksmiths in town life is made clear by the numerous examples of their trade throughout communities.
Industrial historians, iron buffs, and antique collectors will all find this a fascinating group of items. The text contains a great deal of historical and manufacturing information. The selection has been made to illustrate the artistic, as well as common examples of each form and to show the evolution of styles through the years.
Antique Iron follows The Brass Book by these authors, whose interest in antiques metalware is deep. Herbert and Peter are partners in an antique business in West Chester, Pennsylvania. Nancy Schiffer is a former museum curator and writer. Their interests in cultural history have brought each of them to important collections worldwide.