a very unusually constructed heavily ornamented 19th century cast iron interior corinthian style column capital

i've removed several interior ornamented cast iron greek corinthian style capitals (located at the topmost region of load-bearing columns), found on the first floor of many high ceiling 19th century loft style commercial buildings or "blocks" dating between the 1860's and 1880's. the great majority of the ornamented iron capitals carefully salvaged, are typically divided into two or four sections, fastened to the column with threaded set screws or rivets.

the two-section capitals contain wrought sheet iron cylindrical segments with multiple pieces or ornament (e.g., acanthus leaves) riveted tightly against the curved sheet iron. the opposed seams are typically held together and concealed with single detachable ornaments that are bolted or screwed in place.in addition, the weight of the two-part cap or header (held together with riveted joint straps) provides additional support and stability of the capital as a whole unit.

the other configuration i've salvaged time and again, consists of four "self-contained" sections (e.g., four oversized and protruding palmettes) that are attached directly against the smooth, cylindrical portion of the post with oversized flat head machine screws. the remainder of the post (below the capital) is often fluted or grooved. with threaded screws. this type of system is by far, the easiest and quickest to salvage.

interestingly, i've now come across a completely different and rather alien method of assemblage, in the form of each and every cast iron component nailed directly against (in this case) a solid white oak wood column or post. only the four corners, in the form of voluted or scrolliated ornament, are comprised of two pinned or riveted joint sections, with the surrounding leaves loosely interlocked and nailed flush against the post.

the building where these unusual capitals were outfitted is located on milwaukee avenue, bundled together with several other buildings built on a triangular-shaped block. the commercial and/or loft style building was likely constructed between 1870-75. the design of the leafage is similar to the ornamental cast iron pieces i removed years ago from the c.c.p. holden building, constructed in 1872.

the gallery below represents several images of an intact capital salvaged from the milwaukee avenue commercial building. the section of post was salvaged from the building and the placement of ornament is virtually identical to the configuration found "in situ." the solid wood post is comprised of white oak with the old allover crazed paint left untouched (i.e., as found prior to removal). judging from the casting quality, style and time period the capital was fabricated, i suspect union foundry works (chicago, il.) may have played a role in its execution.