Makers and other marks Many 19th century and earlier blacksmiths signed their work, but there is no book which can help identify where or when they worked. Local records would have to be consulted if a particular blacksmith s work is to be identified. Owner s initials, marks or inscriptions are seldom found on ordinary items. Condition Iron tends to oxidise rather quickly, so it is not difficult to give a wrought iron object the appearance of age. Wear, on the other hand, is not so easy to copy.
Fakers often simulate indiscriminately.
Look for wear at the points where an object would have been put to maximum use. The surface of wrought iron ought to be genuinely worn by a combination of oxide, cleaning, repainting, and wear. This cycle will be repeated frequently over the object s working life. Genuine wrought iron usually has a pitted and mottled appearance, even if it has been cleaned. Look for evidence of use and deterioration.