The Scottish Carron “turtle” and reproductions
The Carron Company was founded in Falkirk, Scotland in 1759. It continued in operation for over 220 years, closing in 1982. A comprehensive history by Brian Watters (2005) entitled Carron … Continue reading
Reproduction vs Antique
Most collectors are familiar with the most common reproduction trivet designs. But have you discovered the antique versions that were their inspiration? I’ve shared six designs, photographed side by side … Continue reading
MMA Leaf trivet
The Metropolitan Museum of Art sold reproductions of several antique figural designs in their MMA Museum Gift Shop in New York City, circa 1960s. These trivets were marked © MMA on … Continue reading
The Red Riding Hood trivet
Artwork by Jessie Willcox Smith, 1911 (public domain) Over the past few months I’ve purchased three different versions of the Red Riding Hood trivet; all were found on eBay. Their … Continue reading
The Iron Art Company, Philipsburg, NJ
The Iron Art Company of Phillipsburg, New Jersey was in business from 1959 1954 to 1989 (see Update below). It was a major distributor of cast iron products in the 1950’s … Continue reading
Robert Emig Products, Reading, PA
Front cover of the 1968 Emig catalog Robert Emig Products of Reading, Pennsylvania was a distributor of decorative metalware. Contracts were signed with independent foundries to create the castings; Emig … Continue reading
Circular Lantz trivets
Lantz #1: cast iron, 5 5/8” diameter w/4 PAW feet & 2 gate marks along edge. Lantz trivets are among my favorite trivets! So delicately cast, they’re a testament to … Continue reading
Ouroboros (snake) symbolism in a trivet
The noun ouroboros (aka uroboros) is derived from the Greek words ouro (tail) and boros (eating); it describes a snake or dragon devouring its own tail. It’s an ancient symbol … Continue reading
