What furniture features antique brass castors?

You will find these metal fittings supporting heavy mahogany dining tables, library armchairs, occasional tables, and beds. They appear across various forms from the Georgian period through to the Edwardian era. Larger extending dining tables and library seating rely on them most frequently to allow movement across heavy carpets and wooden floors.

How do I identify the period of castors?

Dating these fittings requires examining the casting technique, the patina of the brass, and the style of the furniture leg they accompany. Georgian and Regency examples often display heavier metalwork and simpler turning than later Victorian pieces. The surrounding wood, such as figured mahogany or rosewood, provides further context for the period of manufacture.

Were brass castors added later to furniture?

Many castors are original to their pieces, fitted by the cabinetmaker to make large items movable. However, cabinetmakers and owners also added them later in the nineteenth century to raise table heights or ease cleaning. Inspecting the fixing screws and the seating within the wood helps determine if the fitting belongs to the original construction.

How should I care for antique brass?

Preserving the surface requires minimal intervention to maintain the natural aged patina developed over centuries. Gentle dusting and occasional soft cleaning keep the metal stable without removing its historical character. Harsh chemical polishes strip the surface layer and diminish the aged appearance valued in antique brass fittings.