Posted ByPat O'Connor on October 31, 2003 at 00:17:10:
In Reply to: Dating a CAST IRON BATH TUB posted byHolly B. on October 30, 2003 at 19:04:42:
: Recently I acquired an old cast iron bathtub, and I'm interested in finding out how old it is. No date is apparent on the tub (on the bottom), but the number 2 shows on the bottom, non-plumbing end of the tub, and appears to come from the original casting. Also, it has all four ball-and-claw feet; two still have the old square nails. A friend says the feet are solid cast iron because there is no sign of welds, therefore making it pre-WWI. Any suggestions? Thank you!
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
I do not think it is pre-WWI. All the feet I have seen are a complete cast. Welding cast iron is next to impossible for most. I have had it done but it is a difficult job for an experienced welder and I would never have it done on a portion of the bath that supported as much weight as a foot. It is hard to say it age, but as you know, it is a wonderful antique item to have. Hang on to it and enjoy the prestige of being a clawfoot bath original.
Thank you for asking