late 19th century american antique oversized "indian lattice" pattern gravity furnace floor grate salvaged from a chicago commercial building undergoing demolition. the ornamental pierced metal grate is comprised of cast iron with applied black enameled finish. the square-shaped vent cover was fabricated by the tuttle & bailey manufacturing co., new york. established in 1846, the tuttle and bailey company was the dominant manufacturer of cast iron registers in the latter half of the 19th century. the company continued to perfect its ornamental grille manufacturing processes and was eventually acquired by hart & cooley, inc. in 1933. world war ii influenced the production of several new products from tuttle & bailey, including air intake covers for tanks and mortar shells. the mortar die and special presses were brought out one more time during the korean war. the tuttle & bailey business was moved to holland, mi in 1983-84. measures 29 1/4 x 29 1/4 inches.