Incredible set of three antique handmade wood industrial
foundry patterns. These were created to make the sand cast molds for casting
iron sewage grates and other miscellaneous items. These are in wonderful
antique condition with fabulous patina from all their years of age and use.
Circa late 19th Century.
Holy cow! These antique industrial foundry patterns are
simply fabulous! This listing is for a varied set of three patterns of
different sizes and purpose but do create an interesting circle. We have priced
them for the set. They make the most fabulous wall collage. Or are simply
wonderful setting on a mantel or shelf.
These patterns came from Western Foundry of Topeka, Kansas.
They were founded in 1876 by Roswell L. Cofran, Sr., a civil war veteran and
future Topeka mayor. While running the business, he served as mayor for three
terms 1885-1887, 1889-1893, and 1913-1915. Western Foundry operated in Topeka
for 124 years under three Roswell L. Cofrans; Sr., Jr., and III.
The patterns were hand carved in the mid to late 1800s. They
were created for cities all over the world. The carved pattern would be used to
create the sand cast mold in which the molten iron would be poured to make the
grate or whatever item for which the pattern was made.
My husband and I purchased these patterns from Western
Foundry’s Going Out of Business auction
many, many years ago and they’ve been in storage since. The buildings where
these patterns were stored were amazing. There were two built specifically for
this purpose totaling at least 120 feet in length. And, the patterns were filed according to project and placed
very neatly on shelves lining both sides of the long narrow structures. I wish
I would have had the forethought to note what project each of these was for as
we were loading them. What history they hold! Now we get to offer these
marvelous pieces to you. Make this set yours. Or, if these don’t meet your
needs look at all our others listed here as well. Or, contact us. We couldn’t
begin to list them all.
Patterns:
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Size of Group as Hanging – 41.25H x 27.5W Inches
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Sizes of Larges Pattern –
13H x 27.5W Inches
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Weight – 15.2 Pounds All
Boxed Size:
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Height – 10 Inches
§
Width – 35 Inches
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Depth – 19 Inches
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Weight – 20.2 Pounds