Castors attach to your home furniture in order to make it easier to clean and arrange. Castor wheels are also useful for antique furniture collectors to estimate the age of their pieces. Experts are able identify the manufacturing date by simply inspecting the types and characteristics of the castor wheels. This gives antique dealers and collectors the ability to accurately price furniture.
Even so, you don’t have to be an expert in furniture dating. We’ll show you how. Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Find a Leathern Roller, Bowl or Bowl
Castor wheels were first made from leathern bowls and rollers. This type of castors was used to attach furniture manufacturing equipment in the early 1800’s, during Queen Anne’s reign.
Step 2 – Check that the Castor is made out of Wood
Furniture makers began making furniture using wooden wheels in the Georgian period, 1720-1760. They are mounted on the feet of furniture with an iron frame attached to the wheels.
Step 3: Check if Cast Iron is used in the Castors
Cast iron castors were used by furniture manufacturers for almost a decade following the Georgian period. Even though wooden castors still exist, antique stores now stock most furniture that was made in this time period with cast iron wheels.
Step 4: Verify that the Castor has been made from solid Brass
Although the furniture might still be dated to the Georgian period, solid brass castor wheels may indicate it was made between 1780-1790. In fact, the entire Georgian period (1750-1830) can be called “the” “Golden Age of Furniture”Because it was during this period that most of furniture innovation was introduced to the general public.
Step 5 – Check whether the Castor made from Rubber or Polyurethane
Castor wheels have been manufactured today. It is possible, therefore that your antique furniture wheels have been removed.
Alerts and tips
Castors can be easily replaced. Cators can be easily replaced. This is why you shouldn’t base your furniture age assessment on them alone. It is possible for the wheels to have been only partially replaced in order to make the furniture appear older than it actually is. Do not trust or feel confident in your dealer. Get a second and third opinion from someone trustworthy. Don’t forget, there are many scammers in the antique market who will try to get you into their traps.