Salesman Sample Stove Appraisal

Antique Cast Iron Salesman Sample Stove

This item is an antique cast iron salesman sample or miniature toy stove, likely dating from the late 19th to early 20th century. It is constructed entirely of cast iron, exhibiting a dark, almost black patina with significant signs of rust and surface corrosion, particularly on the right-hand griddle / prep area, which shows a prominent reddish-brown rust. The main body of the stove features four circular burner plates on the top surface, suggesting a functional, albeit miniature, design. One of the burner plates appears to be missing or opened, revealing a dark cavity beneath. The front of the stove features an ornate swing-out door, likely for a firebox or ash pan, with decorative relief work and what appears to be part of a word or maker's mark, though it is illegible due to the angle and wear. Above the main cooking surface, there is a decorative cast-iron backsplash or chimney structure with intricate scrolling and openwork designs, adding to its aesthetic appeal. The stove stands on four short, ornate legs. The right side of the stove has an attached cast-iron griddle, perforated with decorative cut-outs, which shows the most significant rust. The overall condition indicates considerable age and use or exposure to elements, with widespread surface wear, paint loss (if it was ever painted beyond its original finish), and accumulated dirt. The craftsmanship suggests a period when such miniature functional items were popular as toys or promotional samples, demonstrating a good level of detail for its size and purpose. The heavy material and robust construction indicate it was made to be durable, even in its scaled-down form. Its size cannot be precisely determined without a reference, but it appears to be a tabletop item given the surrounding context.