Late 19th C. Cribben & Sexton Sunbeam "Universal" Cast Iron Parlor Stove

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c. 1880s-1890s; Cribben & Sexton Company - Chicago

Ornate cast iron parlor stove identified by its original cast marking as … Read more c. 1880s-1890s; Cribben & Sexton Company - Chicago

Ornate cast iron parlor stove identified by its original cast marking as Model No. 114-514, designed for use with chestnut coal and fitted with the highly decorative Sunbeam Universal panel set. The stove features elaborate Victorian-era relief work throughout, including arched fire doors with mica viewing panels, shell and scroll motifs, and a sculptural finial topper that gives the piece strong vertical presence. The elevated base with curved feet and layered architectural elements reflect the period's emphasis on making heating appliances both functional and visually impressive, suitable for parlors, sitting rooms, and formal domestic interiors.

The No. 114-514 designation is clearly cast into the body of the stove, along with fuel guidance ("Use Chestnut Coal") and the Cribben & Sexton maker's mark. The Sunbeam Universal panels-intended to radiate and reflect heat while showcasing the fire-remain present, making this an especially desirable example within Cribben & Sexton's cataloged output.

The Cribben & Sexton Company, headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, was among the largest American stove manufacturers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, producing a wide range of coal and wood-burning stoves that blended industrial engineering with high ornamental design. See less