Any way to tell who made this wrought iron gate?

Discussion in 'Metalware' started by springfld.arsenal, May 21, 2016.

  1. springfld.arsenal

    springfld.arsenal Store: http://www.springfieldarsenal.net/

    Approx. 78 tall, 104" wide

    Any ideas on who made it?

    Came from mansion in Washington DC where it was installed ca. 1920's.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     
    KingofThings and lauragarnet like this.
  2. springfld.arsenal

    springfld.arsenal Store: http://www.springfieldarsenal.net/

  3. afantiques

    afantiques Well-Known Member

    Look at a trade directory of the period.

    Find a few wrought iron workers.

    Pick one at random.

    No one will ever know.
     
    KingofThings likes this.
  4. GaleriaGila

    GaleriaGila Hola, y'all!

    AF!!!!! :hilarious:

    I have never before seen such dainty, flowing lines in wrought iron... kinda airy. Is that any certain style, please?
     
    KingofThings and Aquitaine like this.
  5. springfld.arsenal

    springfld.arsenal Store: http://www.springfieldarsenal.net/

    Thanks. Maybe the lady of the house chose the design?

    Anyway I peeked at some WI gates on web and saw none at all with anything like the big copper "C"-shaped handles, so I'm guessing that if we find other gates with similar handles, we might try comparing the remaining features.
     
    KingofThings likes this.
  6. say_it_slowly

    say_it_slowly The worst prison is a closed heart

    Maybe contact a historical society or other group. I know DC has an archaeologist who might know some sources. I know that when my sister was living in DC they didn't get their house on a historical tour/list because they installed a new door so people are keeping track of lots of info. There may even be house plans with the info if you know which building.
     
    KingofThings likes this.
  7. Bev aka thelmasstuff

    Bev aka thelmasstuff Colored pencil artist extraordinaire ;)

    Those copper pieces may have been added later. I'm thinking it originally had the initial of the owner and someone took those out later on. They just don't fit the rest of the style.
     
    KingofThings likes this.
  8. springfld.arsenal

    springfld.arsenal Store: http://www.springfieldarsenal.net/

    Thanks. I'll have to hit the old City directories to get the exact location and name as the party I got it from could not or would not give me that info. The original owner back in the 1920's was a hugely successful plumbing contractor in Washington DC, living on Connecticut Ave. He had a lot of contracts for Federal gov., The White House, etc. Hopefully at that time City Directories still listed residents' occupations. Anyone having one of those genealogy accounts with access to the old city directories, and a bit of free time is encouraged to take a look, if you find that guy and his address I'll make it worth your time, will send u a nice collectible u can choose from a few.
     
    KingofThings likes this.
  9. say_it_slowly

    say_it_slowly The worst prison is a closed heart

    If my sister still lived in DC I'd ask her. She lived on Mass Ave in a house built 1888 and did a lot of research on her own place. She's travelling at the moment but will be in town visiting briefly next week and if I remember I'll ask her where she searched. I'll ask her husband too. They both worked on Capitol Hill for years and he was so interested in the history of the Capitol building that he's like a walking encyclopedia on the place.

    I've been to presentations by the DC archaeologist and I wouldn't be surprised if she/they could provide you with some insight or direction.
     
    KingofThings likes this.
  10. Aquitaine

    Aquitaine Is What It IS! But NEVER BORED!

    OOOOOOOOOH!!!!! Not a CLUE.......But I'll gladly message you an address to where you can have it shipped!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:smug::smuggrin::smug::smuggrin::smug::smuggrin::):smug::smuggrin::smug::smuggrin::smug::):):)
     
    KingofThings and say_it_slowly like this.
  11. komokwa

    komokwa The Truth is out there...!

    the handles remind me of........

    [​IMG]
     
    KingofThings likes this.
  12. KingofThings

    KingofThings 'Illiteracy is a terrible thing to waist' - MHH

    Very nice!
     
  13. say_it_slowly

    say_it_slowly The worst prison is a closed heart

  14. springfld.arsenal

    springfld.arsenal Store: http://www.springfieldarsenal.net/

    Possible, but if not maybe one of 'em knows who their gf's competitor was, I'll ask this week.

    Meanwhile found this gate on web that has nothing identical to ours, but resembles it somehow in concept, or if these were paintings, might be like brush strokes.

    [​IMG]
     
    KingofThings likes this.
  15. say_it_slowly

    say_it_slowly The worst prison is a closed heart

    I saw my sister today and remembered to ask about how they researched their house in DC. She said the main library has a Washingtonia/Washingtoniana Room (however you spell it) with tons of info. The head guy there gave them a list of people who can do research and they hired one of those people.
     
    KingofThings likes this.
  16. springfld.arsenal

    springfld.arsenal Store: http://www.springfieldarsenal.net/

    Thanks-still on list of projects but got displaced by need to install a large power hacksaw for a special project.
     

Share This Page