finely executed original late 19th or early 20th century american victorian era patented flush mount ceiling or floor register designed and fabricated by the adams company, dubuque, ia. the intricate three-part cast iron register has been brushed down to bare metal and sealed with a clear coat lacquer. the circular-shaped grate with leafage contains a centrally located stove pipe cover or center designed to rotate to control air circulation. the surrounding abstract scrollwork is visually distinctive. the adams company traces its roots back to the roberts & langworthy iron works, located at 57 south main street in dubuque, ia, who specialized in "fine light castings" (e.g., grave crosses and park benches). eugene adams invested in the company in june of 1883 when roberts decided to retire, and adams took the position of secretary and manager. a change of the company name to langworthy and adams iron works followed in 1885. when langworthy retired in 1892, eugene's brother herbert bought his share and the company was re-organized as the adams company, foundry and machine shop. at this time machine castings and household devices like a patented floor heating vent with inner rotating portion that distributed warm air in upper level rooms, or laundry stoves were added. a group of four adam stove pipe registers were acquired as of recent. priced individually. all contain a brushed metal finish. measures 15 1/2 inches in diameter.