For centuries, wood stoves provided essential heat and served as the heart of the home. Today, antique wood stoves are prized by collectors for their craftsmanship, history, and beauty in addition to functionality. Whether you‘re a long-time collector or are considering your first antique stove purchase, this in-depth guide will tell you everything you need to know about the most valuable antique wood stoves and how to find them.
A Brief History of Antique Wood Stoves
The first wood stoves appeared in the early 1700s, an innovation stemming from the invention of cast iron. By the mid-18th century, the famous American polymath Benjamin Franklin had designed his iconic "Franklin Stove," which brought new efficiency and utility to these early models.
Stove technology rapidly advanced through the 1800s as manufacturers devised new designs and features. Stoves got smaller, lighter, and more ornate with details like nickel and enamel finishes, intricate engravings, and bright colorful accents. Major companies like Glenwood, Acme, and Home Comfort drove many of these innovations.
Heating shifted away from wood and toward coal, gas, and electric in the early 20th century. Production of wood stoves dwindled and many gorgeous models from the late 1800s became instant classics. Today, stoves from this golden era are among the most valuable and beloved.
Types of Antique Wood Stoves
While designs varied, most antique wood stoves fit into a few main categories:
Box Stoves: The earliest and simplest type, box stoves are cast iron and boxy in shape with few frills. They were designed more for practicality than aesthetics.
Parlor Stoves: Compact and ornate, parlor stoves arose in the Victorian era to heat sitting rooms while adding beauty and style to home decor. Many feature mica windows, shiny metal finishes, and detailed castings.
Cook Stoves: As their name suggests, these models have a cooktop surface and oven for preparing meals in addition to providing heat. High-end models boasted warming drawers, water reservoirs, and other luxuries.
Potbelly Stoves: Short and round in shape, potbelly stoves radiate heat in all directions. They were common in stores, schoolhouses, and train stations.
Base Burners: A later design, base burner stoves use a gravity-fed combustion system to burn wood more efficiently. Their large fuel magazine and easy operation made them popular in the early 20th century.
Identifying Valuable Antique Wood Stoves
Age, rarity, condition, and provenance all contribute to an antique stove‘s value. When assessing any stove, be sure to look for:
Manufacturer Marks: Most antique stoves will have the maker‘s name cast into the body, often on a plate or emblem. Major marks like Garland, Acorn, and Radiant Home point to quality.
Date and Patent: Look for a date or patent stamp to determine age. The older the stove, generally the more valuable, with models from 1850-1890 often most desirable.
Completeness: An antique stove with all its working parts and minimal damage will always be worth more. Watch for cracks, rust, or missing pieces like grates, doors, and flue covers.
Design: Ornate details, refined finishes, and unique elements like warming shelves all add to collectibility. The more elaborate and decorative, the better.
Size: Smaller stoves were meant for cottages or cabins while grand stoves heated entire houses. Both can be valuable in the right condition and style.
Some of the most valuable antique wood stove models to look for include:
- Jerome Redding & Co. Model No. 3 "Oval" Parler Stove
- Wehrle "Acorn" Box Stove
- Spicer "Perfect" Baseburner Stove
- Reading Stove Works "Solar" Cottage Stove
- Michigan Stove Co. "Garland" Cookstove
Antique wood stoves can range in price from a few hundred dollars for common, lower-end models to over $20,000 for the rarest stoves in excellent condition. The most valuable tend to date before 1880, have particularly ornate designs or special features, and be from a renowned maker.
Valuing an Antique Wood Stove
If you‘re looking to sell an antique stove or make a purchase, how can you determine its fair market value? Valuing antiques is part science and part art.
First, thoroughly inspect the stove for any maker‘s marks, dates, or other identifying information. Note its type, approximate size, and special features. Importantly, carefully assess its condition, looking for any damage or missing components that could reduce value.
Next, use this information to research comparable stoves that have sold recently. Check antique stove dealer websites, collector forums, and online auction sites like eBay to see the going rate for similar models. Condition and rarity will heavily influence price.
If the stove is rare or particularly high-end, consider having it professionally appraised. An experienced appraiser will fully examine the stove, photograph it, and prepare a detailed report estimating its value based on market data and expert knowledge.
Keep in mind that an antique stove is ultimately worth what someone will pay for it. Valuations provide a pricing benchmark, but sell prices can vary depending on venue and luck in reaching the right buyer.
Where to Buy Valuable Antique Wood Stoves
Ready to start shopping for your dream antique stove? You have a few options:
Antique Shops and Dealers: Specialty antique stores, particularly those focused on vintage appliances or Americana, often stock wood stoves. The selection will vary, but pieces are usually vetted for authenticity and priced at market value. For the widest selection, visit large antique malls or districts.
Online Marketplaces: Sites like Etsy, eBay, and 1stDibs have made finding antique wood stoves much easier. You can shop a wide array of stoves from dealers and individual sellers across the country, often with the best prices. As always with online antique shopping, ask plenty of questions, request additional photos, and buy from reputable sellers.
Auctions: Both online and in-person auction houses may offer antique stoves, though truly valuable models are rare. Sign up for alerts from houses that specialize in antiques and check listings regularly. The thrill of bidding can be part of the fun.
Flea Markets and Estate Sales: Uncommon, but you may get lucky and spot an antique wood stove for a bargain at a flea market, yard sale, or estate auction. Bring cash and be prepared to move fast and negotiate. You may need to arrange specialty shipping or pickup for such a large, heavy item.
Classified Ads: Check local classifieds, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist and newspaper ads. Many antique stove enthusiasts prefer to deal locally to avoid shipping and handling. You may find a hidden gem close to home.
Wherever you buy, be sure to get clear terms, secure payment, and understand any refund policies before completing a sale. If the condition wasn‘t as described or an issue arises, you want to have recourse as a buyer.
Restoration and Maintenance
Antique stoves often show their age. Some collectors prefer an original weathered patina, while others opt for full restoration.
If you‘re planning to put an antique stove to use heating or cooking, it‘s best to have it professionally restored for both performance and safety. A qualified restorer can repair any cracks, replace missing or worn parts, refinish surfaces, and ensure the stove is in sound working order. Restoration can be a significant investment, but will help an antique stove retain its value over years of use.
For display purposes, you may still want to remove dirt and grime and address any cosmetic damage. Gentle cleaning, polishing exposed metal, and touching up any enamel or painted surfaces will help the stove‘s beauty shine through. Always take a conservative approach and use products safe for antique finishes.
Whether in use or on display, keep your valuable antique stove clean, dry, and away from high heat or humidity. Have it inspected regularly for any signs of wear or damage. With proper care, it can retain its luster and value for generations.
Interesting Antique Wood Stove Facts
-
The most expensive antique stove ever sold at auction was a European enameled wood stove from 1894 by Swiss maker Landolt which sold for over $150,000 in 2007.
-
At the height of their popularity in the late 1800s, there were over 250 wood stove foundries operating in the US, with major hubs in New York, Pennsylvania, and the Midwest.
-
President Abraham Lincoln‘s boyhood home had a traditional cast iron "President" wood stove made by S.V. Alband & Co. in 1844. It helped keep his family warm through many Illinois winters.
-
To skirt around design patents, stove makers would sometimes copy a competitor‘s stove design but modify one small element, like a differently shaped finial or leg, then give it a new name to avoid legal trouble.
-
The iconic potbelly stove got its name from the round, pot-shaped belly that extended beyond the stove‘s square body. This unique design helped radiate more heat while taking up less space.
With a discerning eye, some perseverance, and a passion for history, you too can find the antique wood stove of your dreams. By understanding what to look for, where to buy, and how to maintain your purchase, you‘ll be well on your way to securing a functional piece of craftsmanship that may even turn out to be an investment for the future. As you bask in the warmth and glow of your stove, you‘ll join the ranks of the Victorians and homesteaders who depended on these marvels of metalwork and combustion engineering for comfort, sustenance, and simple beauty.
){kind=link}