Cast-Iron Footrest??

[ghopper1924]

I'm not sure that's what this is, but the only other thing that comes to mind is an andiron/firedog, but I don't think that's it.

Anyway, the dimensions are 21" wide by 12" long, and 5" high at the highest point. This cast-iron piece is molded into the shape of a log, with "oak leaves," "bark," and a central monogram of the letter "R" over an oval. Underneath, in relief, is the number "18" with two impressed dots underneath it and a crude "X" to the right.

Each end is chamfered to resemble a cut log. The piece was found on a relative's farm in west-central Illinois; nobody knew where it came from, but it's been there at least 50 years. There was no paint on it but lots of rust. Ms. Ghopper cleaned it, then painted it brown for protection, not to mention the fact that brown seemed appropriate, given the log motif.

So:  1) Is it a footrest?
       2) When might it have been made?
       3) Any ideas on worth?

[mart]

21 inches ?? X 12 inches ??  Does not look like 21 inches !!

[ghopper1924]

From long end to long end it is. The other dimension is from the end of one support bracket to the one directly opposite.

[mart]

What is the width of the top ??

[cogar]

and a central monogram of the letter "R" over an oval.

Well now, Ghopper, dats just gotta be a piece for a Round Oak stove.

And shur nuff is and I found it, to wit:



Item listed here:  https://www.antiquesnavigator.com/d-1016252/antique-advertising-round-oak-parlor-stove-trim-pieces-lk.html
 
Source listing here: http://www.antiquesnavigator.com/antique-stoves-price-guide/antique-stoves-price-guide-19-SoldPrice.html


I/m thinking there should be 4 of them that circled the base of the stove, like so ……

[mart]

Well,, I`ll be darned !!  Never even thought about a footrest for a stove !!  Thats why the R is on it !
Brownie point for you Cogar !!

[ghopper1924]

Well done Cogar! Another point for you!!

Looks like one sold for $99.00 or so as well. Good news!

Thanks again!!

[cogar]

Well,, I`ll be darned !!  Never even thought about a footrest for a stove !! 

Mart, I'm sure that "ring" was oftentimes used as a "footrest" ..... but I'm pretty sure its intended purpose was to prevent "accidental" contact of the "hot" firebox.

And an added note, all of that fancy filigree and scrollwork ..... and extra pieces of cast iron attached to the stove ....... increases its "radiant" heating capacity/ability by like 10% to 40%.

[mart]

Is a perfect place to prop your boots and warm the soles !!

[KC]

Gotta admit - ya definitely get a point for that!  Wow...impressed!

[cogar]

Thanks all …… but I hafta credit that one to “re-called experiences” rather than “expert sleuthing”.

Old rusty cast iron, .... semi-circular, ..... shape of log, ..... oak leaves, ..... letter “R” in an oval, …… I knew there was something familiar about those “clues” that I had seen before.

It was the “fancy filigree on cast iron” that triggered my re-call memories that …… it just had to be a piece for an old cast iron wood burning stove.

And the hunt was on with the letter “R” and the “O” in oval as the brand name of the stove.

Having spent twenty (20) years in upstate NY and in the camps and cabins of the “north” woods …… I’ve seen quite a few of those old stoves that are still being used, plus the fact, in my younger days, ...... I reconditioned/refurbished several cast iron cook and heating stoves and sold them at a good profit. It was in the 70's during the "wood burning fad to save money" because of the oil shortage causing the cost of "fuel oil" to skyrocket.

Anyway, was still looking and ……. “here ya go”, Ghopper, ….. a picture of your “boot rail” in all of its original “nickeled” glory ….. and attached to the #18 Round Oak heating stove it was made for, to wit:


Round Oak E 18, P.D. Beckwith - Dowagiac, Mich

Source http://www.vermontantiquestove.com/#top

When brand new, the nickel plating on the above stove ….. looked like this, to wit:

[mart]

Wow !!  Thats a looker !!  I would be happy with the old rusty one at top !!