19th c. Spark Salesman's Sample Pot Belly Stove
ABOUT
19th C. American Grey Iron Casting Co. "Spark" salesman's sample pot belly stove, cast iron with black finish, pot belly with hinged door to load wood, lever mechanism to release ashes at base of pot belly, both doors with functioning adjustable flues, hinged door to retrieve ashes at base, raised on four legs, comes with cast iron stoker tool to open doors and lift burner plates, and cast iron handle to left top plate. Marked "Spark" on lower door, marked "Grey Iron Casting Co." inside of base.
Shown with life size hand model for scale.
- CREATOR Grey Iron Casting Company, Mt. Joy, PA.
- DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1881-1900.
- MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES Cast Iron.
- CONDITION Good. Wear consistent with age and use. Missing top plate.
- DIMENSIONS H 14 in. W 7.75 in. D 9 in.
HISTORY
In 1881, Grey Iron Casting Company started to manufacture specific items: a porch support and a hinge. They produced cast iron art goods (toys, banks, & doorstops). Their first cast iron banks were made in 1903. In 1968. John Wright purchased the molds of the Grey Iron Casting Company and the company ceased to exist.
