Topic: Victorian glass furniture feet protectors

[rosarae]

Actually I don't know what they are really called. 
I have seen them on e-bay described as cups and coasters so if someone could tell me what the correct terminology is I would be grateful.
Where would I find out more information about them. 
My primary interest is in open salts but I think some of the larger master salts I have could easily be furniture feet protectors rather than salts.
Thanks

[David E]

I believe they were originally made for resting piano feet on, to protect the flooring, but also to act as a sound insulator. Not sure of the correct term though.

[Glen]

Piano Insulators (also known as castors). I have an internet friend who researches and collects them.

[Max]

I've always called them 'piano rests'.    Maybe there's a proper term though?  

Edit: Oh, I know what it is, it's piano insulator!  I didn't read Glens' post, honest! 
 

[ChrisStewart]

Davidson were still making these in the 1930s!

[Tony H]

Hi
I have read somewhere ( this GMB ) some are a Bankers sponge, insides curve in to the top.

Tony H in NZ

[rosarae]

Thanks for all responses.  So were they only used as piano rests/insulators?  and not tables etc?

[Glen]

I would say that (in common with many similar items) if you wanted to use them for other items of furniture then why not? Multi use means more sales.

[Max]

I think they're probably more suited to furniture with castors.

[has visions of sofas with wooden legs slipping around under a heavy-weight Aunty!]

[Ivo]

I remember them being used for pianos only. We always had a piano in the house, and granny and auntie had one too - so I remember 3 pianos on glass piano coasters, and none on the other furniture. The ones used in Holland were invariably made by Maastricht, by the way, and they still turn op on markets on a regular basis - although full sets of 4 are getting rare now...