What furniture uses period brass castors?

These metal fittings appear predominantly on larger items that required movement across floors, such as twin-pillar dining tables, card tables, sofa tables, and drum tables. They are also common on heavy seating including library armchairs, bergere chairs, and chesterfield sofas. Their presence allowed heavy mahogany and rosewood pieces to be repositioned easily for dining, reading, or entertaining without damaging floor coverings.

How do I identify Regency castors?

Regency brass castors usually display heavy, solid casting with simple or cup-shaped mounts that fit snugly over tapered or reeded wooden legs. They often accompany dark timber furniture from the early nineteenth century. Examining the fixing pin and the wear patterns on the brass wheel helps distinguish period originals from later nineteenth-century or modern replacements.

Are brass castors always original to the furniture?

Not all castors on antique furniture are original, as these high-wear components frequently sustained damage or went missing over centuries of use. Replacements were often fitted during subsequent periods to maintain mobility. Checking the screw holes, timber indentation around the mount, and consistency of wear between the brass and the leg assists in determining originality.

How should I care for brass castors?

Brass fittings benefit from gentle dusting and occasional cleaning with a non-abrasive metal cleaner to prevent oxidation, taking care not to stain surrounding wood like mahogany or rosewood. Keeping the wheels free of lint and grit ensures they roll smoothly. Avoid harsh chemical polishes that can seep into the timber joints or damage the aged patina of the metal.