Circa 1950s — By J. F. Day & Co. Cast Iron Grapevine Garden Suite, 5 Pieces, Attributed

Details

Description

A substantial five-piece American cast iron garden suite featuring an elaborate grapevine pattern, comprising a curved two-seat settee, three coordinating … Read more A substantial five-piece American cast iron garden suite featuring an elaborate grapevine pattern, comprising a curved two-seat settee, three coordinating chairs, and a round table with a pierced decorative top.

Intertwining vines, broad leaves, and hanging grape clusters form the openwork backs, complemented by richly ornamented supports. The sculptural castings draw on the Victorian tradition of decorative iron garden furniture, revived for American gardens and terraces during the twentieth century.

Historical connection: Comparable grapevine seating appears in the Cast Iron Lawn Furniture catalog of J. F. Day & Co., Birmingham, Alabama. The company also advertised cast iron and cast aluminum garden furniture in House & Garden, including the February 1951 issue. These period sources document the design’s commercial context; the foundry responsible for this particular set remains unidentified.

The underside of the settee bears a “Made in USA” mark, together with the number “3008” and a lowercase “d.” These markings establish American manufacture but have not yet been linked conclusively to a specific maker or production date. The set is offered as an estimated mid-twentieth-century example.

Finished in recently refreshed white enamel, the suite has substantial weight and a strong architectural presence. Its pierced surfaces and intricate botanical decoration make it particularly suited to a garden, courtyard, terrace, or covered veranda.

Condition: Structurally sound with a refreshed painted finish. No rust or damage.

Details
Period: Circa 1950s
Maker: J. F. Day & Co.
Origin: Birmingham, Alabama
Style: Victorian Revival
Material: Cast iron (see weights below)
Includes: One two-seat settee, three chairs, and one round table
Markings: “Made in USA,” “3008,” and lowercase “d” beneath the settee
Finish: Recently refreshed black enamel
Condition: Structurally sound, with age-related wear

*No maker's mark visible on any piece

Dimensions:

Settee x1:
Weight: 70 lbs
Height: 41 inches
Width: 37 3/4 inches
Seat Depth: 11.5 inches
Ground to seat lip: 14 inches
Outside back leg to outside front leg: 23 inches
Side Chairs x2:
Weight: 37 lbs
Height: 27.5 inches
Width: 16 inches
Outside leg depth: 19 inches
Seat Depth: 9.5 inches
Arm Chair x1:
Weight: 48 lbs
Height: 26 inches
Width: 22 inches
Seat Depth: 11.5 inches
Ground to seat lip: 14.5 inches
Outside legs depth: 21.5
Table x1:
Weight: 28lbs
Height: 14.5 inches
Diameter: 20.5 inches See less