Small independently owned iron bed foundries were some of the first early cottage industries in this country. One of the things that make antique iron beds so collectible, is the character and craftsmanship that went into each and every one. That came about because each bed was painstakingly crafted and poured by hand. Many of the early independently owned foundries employed as few as two people. Much of the time they were individuals that had been blacksmiths and had furnaces that could be converted to melt iron. Sometimes it would take an entire day to cut and bend the metal tubing, lay out the forms in a jig and the pour the individual sand cast molds. There was much pride taken in the product that was produced and it spoke volumes of the men would made the beds. Their livelihood and reputation was solely based on the quality of the iron beds they turned out. Their beds were an extension of the individual that made them. So needless to say, they all sought respect through the beds they produced. It also was cause for friendly competition between foundries. All were seeking a larger share of the surrounding market. All of these things made for a better product because of the pride that each foundry had for the work they did and the beds they produced.
I hope you’ve found this blog informative . I invite you to revisit my website
to answer any and all questions you might have about antique iron beds.
I also invite you to take a look at our company Face Book page for multiple photo albums on Custom Finishes, Canopy Conversions and a comprehensive “Before & After” King Conversions album.
