Skip to main content
Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions

How can you tell if wrought iron furniture is vintage?

1 Answer
How can you tell if wrought iron furniture is vintage?
One way to tell if wrought iron furniture is vintage is to look for markings that indicate who produced it. Markings may appear on the underside, back and legs of wrought iron tables and chairs. You can then use trusted online resources to determine when the maker was active and producing pieces similar to yours. Consult a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antiques dealer if you can't find markings or have difficulty dating a piece.

Walter Lamb’s adventurous works and those of other mid-century designers noted for their seminal outdoor furniture — a list that includes Hendrik Van Keppel and Taylor Green, Russell Woodard, Maurizio Tempestini for John B. Salterini and Richard Schultz for Knoll — is often found among the offerings of 1stDibs dealers.

In colder regions, wrought iron, which can be left outdoors all year round, was the material of choice in outdoor furniture designs for the Atomic Age.

Shop a variety of vintage wrought iron furniture on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertJuly 30, 2024
Shop for Wrought Iron Furniture on 1stDibs
Artisan Woven Chestnut Chair by Longinos, National Craft Award, Spain 1980s
Located in Benalmadena, ES
Exceptional handcrafted lounge chair designed and created in Hervás, Spain by the renowned artisan Longinos Hernández Prol during the 1980s, recipient of Spain's prestigious National...
Category

Vintage 1980s Spanish Rustic Chairs

Materials

Wrought Iron

Bertil Vallien Fireplace Screen Fireguard Wrought Iron Forged Mid Century 1960s
Located in Basel, BS
Rare fireplace screen designed by Bertil Vallien in the mid 1960s and produced by Boda Smide. Hand forged iron with well crafted and perfectly proportioned details. Whole length: 8...
Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Fireplace Tools and Chimney Pots

Materials

Wrought Iron

Antique French Art Nouveau Green Glass and Wrought Iron Pendant Light, ca 1920
Located in Barntrup, DE
Antique French Art Nouveau Green Glass and Wrought Iron Pendant Light, ca. 1920. Add a timeless touch of elegance to your interior with this Antique French Art Nouveau Pendant Light...
Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Nouveau Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Wrought Iron

Italian Murano Blown Glass Wrought Iron Lantern Chandelier Rare c 1900
Located in Firenze, Toscana
Housing one-light. Will be newly rewired with a certified UL US socket for the United States or appropriate socket for other countries and ready to hang. Rare Murano blown glass in m...
Category

Antique Early 1900s Italian Lanterns

Materials

Wrought Iron

Brutalist Hand-Forged Iron Candle Chandelier, France 1950s, Sculptural Pendant
Located in Lisse, NL
Brutalist all-handcrafted and angular design candle pendant light. Looking for that perfect design piece that marries warmth and sculptural purit...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Candle Lamps

Materials

Wrought Iron

Midcentury Italian Brutalist Spider Detailed Rare Green Glass Body Sconce
Located in Firenze, Toscana
Housing one light. Will be rewired with certified UL US sockets for the USA and appropriate sockets for all other countries and ready to hang. Wrought iron body with detailed rare gr...
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Brutalist Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Wrought Iron

Shop All