Question 1

What is the difference between iron and cast iron?

Accepted Answer

The difference between iron and cast iron comes down to content. Iron is generally pure iron, a chemical element that is a solid metal at room temperature. Cast iron is a mix of iron, carbon, silicon, manganese, sulfur, phosphorus and other elements. Both iron and cast iron can be used to produce furniture, cookware, decorative objects and other items. Generally, cast iron is heavier than iron. Shop an assortment of iron and cast iron pieces on 1stDibs.

Question 2

Who invented cast iron?

Accepted Answer

The name of the person who invented cast iron is unknown. However, anthropologists and archaeologists have determined that the ancient Chinese were the first to develop it. The earliest known examples of cast iron date back to the 6th century B.C. Cast iron production didn't begin in Europe until the 14th century A.D. Shop a collection of cast iron furniture and decorative objects on 1stDibs.

Question 3

What are cast iron columns?

Accepted Answer

Cast iron columns are vertical supports produced out of cast iron, a material made from iron and alloys with a carbon content of more than two percent. During the 19th century, cast iron columns were used in architecture. Today, they primarily function as decorative objects. Shop a range of cast iron columns on 1stDibs.

Question 4

Are cast iron columns hollow?

Accepted Answer

Whether cast iron columns are hollow depends on the piece. Most cast iron columns are hollow due to the manner of crafting, but some are solid. On 1stDibs, find a selection of columns.

Question 5

Can I use cast iron as a planter?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can generally use cast iron as a planter because the material is durable and sturdy. However, you may need to drill drainage holes in a cast iron piece that wasn't intended to function as a planter to allow excess water to exit the vessel. On 1stDibs, find a selection of cast iron planters.

Question 6

Do cast iron tables rust?

Accepted Answer

Yes, cast iron tables can rust. Pieces are more likely to develop rust when exposed to humidity, such as in bathrooms or outdoor living spaces in coastal areas. Wiping surfaces clean regularly and touching up scratches and chips can reduce the risk of rust. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of cast iron tables.

Question 7

Do cast iron Firebacks work?

Accepted Answer

Yes, cast iron firebacks are quite sturdy and work really well. As they are made of solid iron, it's a challenge to move and place them. Given that, cast iron firebacks are the best protection for the back wall of the fireplace. Find a variety of firebacks on 1stDibs.

Question 8

How do I hang a cast iron bell?

Accepted Answer

How to hang a cast iron bell depends on the style. Some cast iron bells have loops at the top that you can hang from a hook anchored onto your desired mounting surface. Others have brackets or frames that you can secure with mounting screws. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of cast iron bells.

Question 9

How do I keep cast iron from rusting?

Accepted Answer

To keep a piece made of cast iron from rusting, place it in a cool, dry space with good air circulation.

Question 10

When were cast iron doorstops made?

Accepted Answer

Cast iron doorstops originated in the late 18th century. Osbourn Dursey invented the first doorstop in 1878. Decorative cast iron stops became popular in the 1920s and remained so throughout World War II. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of antique cast iron doorstops.

Question 11

Is cast iron stronger than steel?

Accepted Answer

Cast iron is stronger than steel.

Question 12

What is a cast iron fireplace insert?

Accepted Answer

A cast iron fireplace insert is a firebox that fits into an existing fireplace surround. The insert is made of cast iron, a type of iron that is more than 2 percent carbon. Cast iron is highly durable and very resistant to the effects of heat. You'll find a selection of cast iron fireplace inserts on 1stDibs.

Question 13

What are cast iron trivets used for?

Accepted Answer

Cast iron trivets are used for many things but are especially ideal for slow cooking meat. They can prop up food in Dutch ovens to prevent burning and increase heat distribution.

Question 14

Does cast-iron furniture rust?

Accepted Answer

Yes, cast-iron furniture rusts.

Question 15

Why is cast iron used for fireplaces?

Accepted Answer

Cast iron is frequently used for fireplaces due to its properties. The metal is highly durable, allowing it to hold up to the effects of frequent use. It also readily conducts heat to help warm up interiors. You'll find a variety of cast iron fireplaces on 1stDibs.

Question 16

Why is cast iron used for benches?

Accepted Answer

Cast iron is often used for benches because of its characteristics. Its strength makes it well-suited to support the weight of two or more adults, and its hardness allows it to resist damage due to weather exposure. Shop a range of cast iron benches on 1stDibs.

Question 17

When were cast iron beds made?

Accepted Answer

Cast iron beds were made starting in the 1850s. These types of beds were handmade until World War I through the use of molds.

Question 18

How can you tell the difference between cast iron and wrought iron?

Accepted Answer

Unlike cast iron, wrought iron is not brittle and will bend rather than break. Wrought ironwork is produced with a hammer and anvil and tends to be more intricate than cast ironwork, which is characterized by repetitive designs that can be carved into a wooden pattern and cast.

Question 19

Do cast iron umbrella stands rust?

Accepted Answer

Yes, cast iron umbrella stands and anything made of cast iron can rust. Keeping your cast iron umbrella stand away from moisture and humidity is the best way to keep it from rusting. However, because it is designed to hold wet umbrellas that may be impractical. Some people like to paint cast iron to protect it from rusting. You’ll find a variety of cast iron and other umbrella stands from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 20

Does cast iron garden furniture last?

Accepted Answer

Whether cast iron garden furniture lasts depends on the quality of the pieces and how well you care for and maintain them over time. Many people choose cast iron, aluminum, wicker or rattan garden furniture for their outdoor patio sets. Shop an assortment of garden furniture on 1stDibs.

Cast Iron Chess

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Games

Carl Aubock Modernist Cast Iron Chess Game Set with Handmade Leather Board

Vintage 1960s Austrian Vienna Secession Games

Modernist Chess Set by the Carl Auböck workshop, Vienna, 1960s

Recent Sales

20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Games

Carl Aubock Modernist Cast-Iron Chess Game with Leather Board and Box

Vintage 1960s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Tables

Mid-Century Chess Brass & Cast Iron Stand

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Andirons

Pair of Chess Piece Form Enameled Cast Iron Andirons

Antique Late 19th Century English Game Tables

Occasional Table with Specimen Marble Chessboard Top

Late 20th Century Spanish Tables

1970s Spanish Round Iron Garden Table w/ Chess Board Cast Stone Top

Vintage 1960s Austrian Games

Rare Chess Set by Carl Auböck

People Also Browsed

Mid-20th Century Italian Space Age Vases

Arthur Elliott for ANRI "Universum" Space Age Chess Set

Antique Mid-19th Century English High Victorian Taxidermy

Rare Victorian Firescreen with Taxidermy Hummingbirds by Henry Ward

Antique 16th Century Italian Gothic Religious Items

Pair Of 16th Century Italian Memento Mori

Mid-20th Century American Biedermeier Side Tables

Weiman Biedermeier Salon Tables, a Pair

Mid-20th Century Mexican Mid-Century Modern Games

Vintage Marble Chess Set with Hand Carved Turquoise and White Onyx Pieces

Vintage 1950s Japanese Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Akari Floor Lamp BB3-55DD by Isamu Noguchi for Ozeki & Co, Japan, 1950s

Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Games

Italian Mid-Century Modern Professional Chess Board with Pawns, 1980s

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Games

Charles Hollis Jones Lucite Chess Set with Original Nickel Base and Box, Signed

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Games

Original Vintage 1966 Austin Cox Chess Set

21st Century and Contemporary British Games

Otterburn Chess Set, Board & Box — Solid Hand-Patinated Brass and Walnut

21st Century and Contemporary Indonesian Games

Chess Marble Game

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Games

1972 Scott Wolfe Columbia Aluminum Chess Set

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Wardrobes and Armoires

Rare Carl Auböck Coat Rack With Hat Rack, Wardrobe, Brass, Walnut & Beech, 1950s

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Wardrobes and Armoires

Up to 12 Austrian Modernist Solid Gold-Plated Coat Hangers from the 1970s

Vintage 1970s French Space Age Architectural Elements

Rare Olympic games prefab Munich 1972 by Peter Hübner

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Paperweights

Carl Auböck Handcrafted Paperweight Jingle Bell #5039, Brass, Leather, Austria

More Ways To Browse