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How to Find Out How to Date Period Grates and Baskets

Fire grates and baskets, which were typical of the Victorian period's use of coal fires, are antiques that will add a touch of class and charm to your home. However, it's also a good idea to be sure that what you have is the genuine article and not a modern reproduction, especially if you're looking for something with both history and functionality from the period of coal fires and steam technology.

Things You'll Need

Digital camera
Clean rags
Cleaning solution

Instructions

- 1
  Wipe down your coal basket or grate and make sure that it's nice and clean. Older pieces might be dusty, or just dirty from serving as coal support, and it can make the details harder to identify if you leave the coal dust all over everything.
- 2
  Examine the surface of your grate or basket and look for identifying marks. Cast iron often has numbers or trademark names pressed into the surface, sometimes even dates. Record all of these important details and take photographs both close up of the details and of the grate from several different angles.
- 3
  Contact the manufacturer of the grate if you find the company name stamped on the metal. If you don't, go to professionals who are more expert in antiques such as antique dealers, museums, history professors or even historical reenactors. Anyone with an interest in the Victorian period and a good deal of knowledge on the subject may be able to help you date your grate based on style, materials and markings.
- 4
  Locate historical interest groups and antique societies on the Internet and share your pictures with them. You might find someone who specializes in coal grates.

Antiques