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Glass Identification - Post here for all ID requests => Glass => Topic started by: rosarae on February 02, 2007, 07:02:23 PM

Title: Victorian glass furniture feet protectors
Post by: rosarae on February 02, 2007, 07:02:23 PM

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

Title: Re: Victorian glass furniture feet protectors
Post by: David E on February 02, 2007, 07:35:54 PM

I believe they were originally made for resting piano feet on, to protect the flooring, but also to act as a sound insulator.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.

Title: Re: Victorian glass furniture feet protectors
Post by: Glen on February 02, 2007, 07:40:34 PM

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

Title: Re: Victorian glass furniture feet protectors
Post by: Max on February 02, 2007, 07:41:59 PM

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! 
 ;D

Title: Re: Victorian glass furniture feet protectors
Post by: ChrisStewart on February 02, 2007, 08:19:11 PM

Davidson were still making these in the 1930s!

Title: Re: Victorian glass furniture feet protectors
Post by: Tony H on February 02, 2007, 08:24:59 PM

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

Tony H in NZ

Title: Re: Victorian glass furniture feet protectors
Post by: rosarae on February 02, 2007, 08:38:03 PM

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

Title: Re: Victorian glass furniture feet protectors
Post by: Glen on February 02, 2007, 08:50:02 PM

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.

Title: Re: Victorian glass furniture feet protectors
Post by: Max on February 02, 2007, 09:02:21 PM

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!]

Title: Re: Victorian glass furniture feet protectors
Post by: Ivo on February 02, 2007, 09:16:23 PM

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...

Title: Re: Victorian glass furniture feet protectors
Post by: Lustrousstone on February 02, 2007, 09:22:54 PM

They often appear on ebay as ashtrays as well. Collectors of electrical insulators often seem to collect them. Strangely, the only sales I've had to New Mexico were to two different collectors of insulators, electrical and piano  :o

Title: Re: Victorian glass furniture feet protectors
Post by: Max on February 02, 2007, 09:34:11 PM

Quote

Strangely, the only sales I've had to New Mexico were to two different collectors of insulators, electrical and piano 

It's funny, because pianos aren't even electric. (http://tcwozere.co.uk/smileys/nodding.gif) 8)

Oh dear, think I'll stop posting now.  :P

Title: Re: Victorian glass furniture feet protectors
Post by: Anne on February 02, 2007, 09:40:00 PM

Quote from: Max on February 02, 2007, 09:34:11 PM

It's funny, because pianos aren't even electric. (http://tcwozere.co.uk/smileys/nodding.gif) 8)

Oh dear, think I'll stop posting now.  :P

Heh heh heh some were Max! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_piano  ;D

Title: Re: Victorian glass furniture feet protectors
Post by: Max on February 02, 2007, 09:49:49 PM

Ah, so that's why they need insulators!  ;D   Dang clever stuff this message board.  :)