Hobbies And Interests
History
In the late 1800s, Kohler and Standard Sanitary Manufacturing Company, now known as American Standard, began enameling cast iron bathtubs to create a smoother interior surface. Consumers responded well to the new surface because it could be cleaned with less effort and as a result was much more sanitary. These bathtubs with claw feet were mass produced until the early 1920s when built-in tubs were introduced.
Price Factors
The value of a clawfoot tub is determined by its size, originality and condition. The majority of clawfoot tubs were produced with a 5-foot roll rim. Any tub that is smaller or larger than this standard size is considered more valuable. The value of a tub with ornate feet or a flat rim will be higher than a tub with simpler features.
A tub that is in original condition is worth more than a tub with cracks in the porcelain, stains or fractures that will need to be corrected. It is important to the value of the tub that it possesses its original feet. Refitting a tub with non-original feet may compromise the stability of the tub.
Pricing
Antique tubs vary in price based on condition and the market in your geographical area. Original bathtubs in good condition that do not need refinishing tend to be valued twice as high as tubs that need to be refinished. For a standard 5-foot roll rim tub, the average price of an original tub as of 2010 is $350. For a standard 5-foot roll rim tub that needs refinishing, the average price is $175.
Tub Refinishing
Refinishing a tub will revive the interior, removing stains, fractures and cracks in the porcelain. Be sure that the cast iron is not cracked, though, as the tub in that case will not hold water. Refinishing a tub refers to a painting process that will repair any flaws in the porcelain. The inside of the tub is sanded, primed and painted. The outside of the tub is sandblasted to the original cast iron, then primed and painted. However, a refinished tub must be treated with much more care than a new tub.
Purchasing
When purchasing a clawfoot tub, consider the condition of the tub. Consider the detail originality and detail of the tub.
Selling
Clean the inside and outside of your antique tub before trying to sell it. To know the value of your tub before advertising it for sale, have it appraised by an expert. You can sell an antique tub through antique dealers, scrap yards or classified advertisements in the newspaper or magazines. You can sell your tub through various websites including eBay.