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June 18, 2013

History of Claw Foot Bath Tubs – Tub and Tile Refinishing, Louisville, KY

 

History of Claw Foot Bath Tubs

The claw foot cast iron tub was first produced commercially in the United States in 1883, when Standard Sanitary Manufacturing Company began to manufacture them.

Later, they became American Standard, the leader in bathroom fixtures today.

Other companies also produced claw foot tubs, such as the Kohler Company and Crane.

Early versions of the tub were actually primarily sold for other purposes, such as a hog scalder or a horse trough. The possible use for bathing was almost an afterthought.  Most all Clawfoot Tubs have the date of manufacture on the bottom of them and where they were manufactured.

As with most innovations, the first people to have a bath tub in their homes were the wealthy. It was a sign of status if you had a separate bathing room, complete with tub. The bath tub was usually elevated and set in the center of the room. Earlier innovations in plumbing and the establishment of the sanitary plumbing code made it possible to have a large tub indoors without getting water all over the home.

Claw foot cast iron tubs generally are oval in shape and have a rolled rim. The feet are usually quite decorative and sometimes mimic the feet of furniture from the period. Because the tub is cast iron, it is quite heavy and had to be set on reinforced floors. Often the tubs were found on the first floor of the house. On older tubs, there may be some chipping of the enamel coating. These can be refinished, but this should be done by a professional.

Cast iron tubs were generally quite large in size. They were usually built so that a full grown man could lie down in them. In Europe, the sitting tub was more popular; it was shorter in length, deeper and had a built-in ledge to sit on.

Because of the conductivity of cast-iron, they retain either heat or cold for long periods of time. Many people find them uncomfortable because in cold weather they can be quite cold, and take lots of hot water to heat up. Conversely, in warm environments, they retain heat and can become quite hot to the touch. Also, an antique cast iron tub will have to be retrofitted to accommodate modern plumbing, so you will most likely need a professional plumber to install a genuine, unaltered period tub in your home.

As modern materials were developed, the cast iron claw foot tub fell out of favor because of its great weight. Modern pedestal or single unit tubs were developed and made out of lighter materials that were easier to clean. However, the claw foot style remains popular as a reminder of a simpler time.

If you are interested in purchasing a clawfoot tub it is best to find a architectural salvage yard or a antique dealer.

Bowles Electrostatic Painting can make your clawfoot look brand new again.

Call us for a free estimate today.   502-933-2768.  You can check out clawfoot tubs we have done on our facebook page.

 

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