old wood burning stove

[starfind10]

I just recently bought a house with an old wood burner in it. the manufacturer is King Stove and Range out of Alabama, the model is Martin-King 98-1830.  
I can't find anything on the internet can someone help me out? I am curious how old it is, maybe how much its worth or a website that has info on this kind of stuff.



thanks,
Joe

[D&b antiques]

Martin- King started in 1905 to 1918. after buying out another company. your 's should have a minimum value of $500.00 Dollars. depending on condition.

[railman44]

I would have it inspected by a pro to make sure it's safe then use it.  If you live in a cold climate, those Ben Franklin stoves will heat a room in no time.  Selling it is not easy since they're heavy and most likely have to shipped.  If it were mine, the stove would stay put and it would be used...

[Tim]

This link   http://www.answers.com/topic/martin-industries-inc

gives more than enough information on the history.

I agree with DB on the price. Old stoves bring a premium but as railman stated the weight prohibits shipping. If your selling, I would list it on Craig's list with a pickup only.

[Skinny]

That's a real beauty, that stovepipe really looks huge! I bet the flu draws air like crazy. I'm enjoying my wood heat right now. You sure can't beat a stove in an old drafty house!

[talesofthesevenseas]

I'm actually considering adding a woodstove as yet another heating option in my old drafty house. We currently switch between propane heat (ridiculously expensive) and a wood pellet stove (pellets are only available seasonally). I'd keep it if I were you!

[KC]

Great buy!  Agree you need to get it inspected before use!

They heat like no other!

[starfind10]

thank to everyone for your help.  i think I'll keep it:)

Joe

[cogar]

Starfind10, if you don’t mind getting your hands dirty you can become an “expert” cast iron stove fixer-upper in 5 easy steps, to wit:
 
How to Restore Antique Wood-Burning Stoves
http://www.ehow.com/how_5009249_restore-antique-woodburning-stoves.html

And I recommend Rutland brand stove cement and stove blacking.

cheers.

[Skinny]

thank to everyone for your help.  i think I'll keep it:)

Joe

I don't think you'll regret it. Last winter we had a monumental ice storm, and our power was out for almost two weeks! I don't know what we would have done without our stove. We stayed plenty warm, and cooked some good food, while our microwave and electric range looked on helplessly.

[talesofthesevenseas]

Two weeks is a long haul! The problem with pellet stoves is that they need electricity. Fortunately the propane furnace we have operates on a sparker, so it doesn't need power. I can't cook on it though!

[cogar]

And a wood stove is just the "berries" for taking "the chill" out of the air in late spring, early fall or on rainy, damp, chilly summer days ....... when you really don't want to turn your furnace on. Why even a small stack of cardboard, rolled-up newspapers or "fanned-out" magazines will warm your "tootsies" up in short order. (A magazine will not burn unless you fold-up the pages.)