Any blacksmith or handmade metal work expert in the house?

[Minel]

Hi guys

bit of an unusual one but since I've seen threads identifying slab stones I thought I'd give it a go

My mum has a hand made cast iron bed header, roughly 50-60 years old. It's a one off, based on a 1600s Italian design and made to order apparently.

She'll be moving house soon enough and she has been thinking about selling it... any idea what this thing could fetch at all???

Link to my photobucket album with pics

http://s722.photobucket.com/albums/ww230/TheMinel/...

[JABB]

It is one of those things which is almost imposible to value. It is worth what someone wants to pay on the day.
I really will be better to view in the flesh, so an auction house may be the best route

[Minel]

thanks, you're probably right.... I'll see what's available around where she lives (Tuscany)

[RDM]

Are you sure that's cast iron and not mild steel?

[Minel]

think so.... but no expert

[Tanguero]

It will almost certainly be wrought iron. Can't however help on value.

[freecar]

Tanguero said:

It will almost certainly be wrought iron. Can't however help on value.

Tanguero is right, it is wrought iron.

I would say it is a very fine piece, where pieces join there are straps rather than ground welds, this is a sign of quality and workmanship.

Auction is your best bet for this, not ebay but a real auction house where people can see the quality for themselves, I wouldn't be surprised to see this fetch north of £1000.

[Minel]

freecar said:

Tanguero is right, it is wrought iron.

I would say it is a very fine piece, where pieces join there are straps rather than ground welds, this is a sign of quality and workmanship.

Auction is your best bet for this, not ebay but a real auction house where people can see the quality for themselves, I wouldn't be surprised to see this fetch north of £1000.

Thanks for that! very interesting info... will definitely pursue the auction house route!