Identifying Antique Radiators

Find an antique radiator. Most antique radiators that are torn out by renovators end up in scrap yards to be used for junk metal. Some get sent to salvage yards. Both places are excellent places to look for antique radiators. You can also look online on sites that specialize in individual owners selling their used possessions.

Identify the materials. Antique radiators are made of cast iron. They may have a metal finish on top of the iron, such as brass, gold, aluminum silver, etc. New radiators are made from a variety of metals that are lighter, such as aluminum and stainless steel. Some new radiators are made of cast iron as well, but they are normally coated in paint to make them look like another metal, or even make them colorful.

Look at the design. Plain radiators are simple and not flourished with designs in the metal. They are straight and rectangular. Ornate radiators have designs embossed on the metal. These designs will make it easy to identify the radiator's origins. There are Victorian, Italianate, Rococo, Gurney and Pierce patterns.

Examine the bolt. On almost all antique radiators, there is a large bolt that juts out from the design. Usually it is on the side, on some near the top, and on others toward the bottom. This bolt often has the name of the manufacturer of the radiator embossed into it. If your radiator gives you the name of the manufacturer, this can be the simplest way to discover where and when your radiator was made.