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Need help determining age of cast iron claw foot tub

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

Number on bottom shows large #19, with a space and the number 5 1/2
Than it says made in USA and under that is the numbers 12 31 in
a separate of metal imprint and than a big letter D under that.
There is no other information under the rim or a name shown

Featured Answer

PRO

HALLETT & Co.

last year

Old tubs have almost no value unless they are very unique or in great condition. A good original enamel has much more value than any refinish (which is just paint)

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Comments (35)

PRO
SAI Contracting
8 years ago
Probably December 1931 made in St Louis - 51/2 means it was made "for the whole body immersion"
JO thanked SAI Contracting
JO
Original Author
8 years ago
SAI Contracting, Thank you that helps. We spoke with the party last night that we bought it from 2 years ago. The first home in Lake County built in 1905 didn't have indoor plumbing until the 20's, when the claw foot was put in. It's extra deep too and his wife says it kept the water quite hot. I am going to make a record of it on the wall, since it's a guest bathroom, it will be fun to read and we've decided to restore it to white.
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Number on bottom shows large #19, with a space and the number 5 1/2 Than it says made in USA and under that is the numbers 12 31 in a separate of metal imprint and than a big letter D under that. There is no other information under the rim or a name shown
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Thanks for both your comments. With regards to understanding about how the drain pipe eroded, my mom said that my dad "never" used any chemicals or products. I don't believe the tile guy did either at this point. The piping/bathtub is original, and 60 yrs. old. Unfortunately I don't have a picture, but looking down drain after plumber removed drain pipe, it's all rust. Unfortunately my mom does not have a basement which makes things even more complicated. Interesting about this vinyl liner thought process. Just learned that the company wouldn't install unless the plumber actually relocates the baseboard heat that runs behind the tub. This could cause distortion. My mom is nearly 90, and this is not what she wants to deal with at this point especially after having her tile wall done (who does?). She is the only one living in the house. As much as I agree about tub liners, having someone removing the old bathtub may be an expensive in itself...just found out it will cost $1600 for the liner (total cost). Now for the plumber, that will be a different story as he now needs to give my mom 2 estimates between (relocating heat behind tub) if liner goes in, or leave as is, and have the bathtub removed, replaced, then go back to his original work in replacing drain pipe! One other complication with this liner is that one of her walls would have to be moved out 3" since her old bathtub curves, and the new liner is straight, and it won't look professional. Nothing is easy--but I can't see how expensive it would cost for an old bathtub removed (cast iron?) and installing even an acrylic tub. The plumber believes if he insulates the pipe running behind tub would alleviate any distortion issues. I wish there was an easy solution in removing an old bathtub especially after new tile installed about 6 months ago. Lesson in life: No matter how old you are, and you want to live in your home, you can't cut corners no matter what. I agree with both of your thought processes.
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Alicia, it seems like everyone wants to tell you the obvious. As I said I have several of these and here is what I did to resolve the shower head splash. I ran the shower mast up the wall and across the ceiling make a 90 deg turn at the a wall to ceiling intersection then another 90 degree down into the center of the tub. There are some nice standoffis that attach to the wall/ceiling and clamp to the pipe and look not only good but authentic. I have very tall ceilings so I dropped the the shower mask to a point 16" below the top of the shower curtain rail. Note it is a 90 degree turn so water flows straight down. The curtain rod is I obround or football shaped to give you room in the shower so it doesn't attack you. The shower curtains are all magnetic so they cling to the tub and prevent the splashing. I can't really tell what is going on with the valve. I can't really see what you have. If it is the typical valve used in most vintage claw foot tubes something is not quite right, your showing me only one water stub pipe. Where is the other ( hot and cold water) the valve mechanism looks quite large and its shape appears to be ringed around the pipe, so I don't know what you have there.
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Sheila Larson
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
I have an old claw foot tub that I would like to date. The markings on bottom of tub are IC-3. I can not find any other markings on tub itself. Each of the feet has the number 300 on the inside. I got the tub out of an old Mill house in Lyman, South Carolina. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Heather Webb
6 years ago
I also bought one yesterday to put into my new bathroom.. It has lion head claws and has the numbers 7-25-41A and also 813-1 on another part of it... Help please. The tub is being taken from Bristol, TN from a home that's 110 years old. It was encased in the wall. I'm very excited.
zbrc
5 years ago
I am also looking for information about my claw foot tub. it seems to be unique (rare as hens teeth), as i have searched the books, catalogs and internet, and have yet to lay eyes on one like it. The bottom of the double ended tub has W2 over K over 45, also SSMCo over SW over 5 and "Standard" stamped in calligraphy, I believe. Standard, I presume is the same Standard that still makes porcelain fixtures.

It measures 70" by 34"outside rim to rim, has intact, enormous claw feet, very decorative. The broad roll top has 4 deck mount rim drillings with some original fittings. Anything you may be able to tell me would be greatly appreciated. We are redoing the room and thinking about how to treat the tub. It is a keeper, but we'd like to know anything about it. Thanks!
Dennis Haggett
5 years ago
We purchased a claw foot tub yesterday It has a large 5 upper right, just above and to the left of "Made In U.S.A." (two lines) there is a number 4. Below the number 4 is a large N. Any ideas on dating this tub?
carolynpratt907
4 years ago
I recently purchased a claw foot tub, the date stamp is 1939, it also has two 5s the.number 2500 and the letter h in a circle. What does all this mean
ptpa66
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago

January 8 2018. Hi I have purchased a clawfoot tub it does not have the feet so I’m trying to determine what style of feet I need to find on the bottom it has 5 1/2 and U. That is all I can find on it I need help to locate the right feet if you could help me I would really appreciate it thank you very much Thea Langston
PRO
K&B Tub Restoration
3 years ago
My tub I purchased has that same "U" brand stamp on the bottom, and I have been googling everything trying to find out what that means?? Who's the manufacturer?? Its It's a distinct shaped U, obviously a logo/stamp.....but by who?? If you can answer this, I would be so appreciative.
Shelly Burdelski
2 years ago
I'm refinishing a clawfoot cast iron tub with a "JM" stamp, no further info...just two raised "JM"s. Any ideas on date/manufacturer?
Rich Kennedy Jr
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago

I have a tub with the date 11-28-1910 stamped; actually in raised numbers. Can anybody help me to find the manufacture? (Keep in mind there is no other identification...)
rbladyforsure
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
Need help to date my Kohler Clawfoot tub, its a classic design. It has a stamp under it that I think says: KOHLER USA 64.5 1/2.7s. I think it says June 1905, 5 1/2 " or full body submersion length. But I do not know what 7s means. Do I have this right? I'd like to know how old it is.
PRO
Debbi Washburn
2 years ago
I don't know about any of these but have you tried asking the companies that do the reglazing for old cast iron fixtures? They may have the answers!
hausfrau123
2 years ago
Did you ever find out? My tub is similar with 64.5.3.S. Thanks!
Steve Trimboli
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago

Aloha, Can anyone help with these numbers?

And Price. Mahalo
Angie Cooper
last year
I just found this post and hoping someone can help? Here’s the pic of my tub. These are the only markings on my tub. Anyone know who made this? I need feet and don’t know where to start. Thanks!
HU-812938004
last year
We also have a tub that we're interested in finding info on. These are the stamps I've found on the bottom.
jaimie evans
last year
can anyone tell me where to find info on this tub?? just bought it for $600. everyone is telling me I got a steal...idk if i did or not $ wise but i have wanted an old clawfoot since i was a little girl so I'm happy either way just curious as it will be passed down. to my daughter
jaimie evans
last year
I just bought it last night so I haven't had a chance to clean it up yet
HU-633162452
last year
It is made by the American Standard company on April 27, 1921. It is a 5 ft tub made in Louisville.
Carrie Hanchar
last year

Any ideas ?
PRO
HALLETT & Co.
last year
Sept 25th 1939 evening shift.
tmmajor
last year

So does this mean it was made in 1925?

Does this help us age our old house? We have no idea as it was moved from another location in the 50’s.
Peggy Wood
last year
Did anyone find out information on the Kohler 1900’s cast iron, claw foot tub with markings 64. 5. 2 S? We have one and wanted to know it’s value in original state or if I should have refinished.
Peggy Wood
last year
Thank you.
Nancy Voakes
last year
I have a tub with just numbers 2-27-39-807 what would that mean
Tiffany Adair
last year
Whats the numbers mean
HU-838515148
last year
last modified: last year
Has anyone heard of a

Pacific tub manufactured in Richmond, CA? The only number I see is 10. I can't find a history of this manufacturer, trying to see if I can pinpoint a date range for our 1897 house. Thanks!

The tub measures 5' long at the top opening.
HU-462156203
11 months ago
What does the number mean on the tub it wad made in 1930
Jonna Reynolds
9 months ago
I was just given a claw footed tub. Don't know anything about it. It has SMC stamped on the bottom. Anybody have any ideas who the mfgr is?
Danielle Rhodes
8 months ago

Any help identiting how old, who made, anything really?
HU-227893538
6 months ago
Has anyone used ekopel to refinish clawfoot tub?
Elli Bennett
4 months ago
last modified: 4 months ago
Can anyone help with the manufacturer of my tub. Trying to find feet for it.

Thank you
PRO
HALLETT & Co.
4 months ago
Eli, it is nearly impossible to find tub feet that fit correctly once they are separated. Even if your tub was clearly marked with a brand I’ve never seen feet with brand marks. Good luck- I think it will be trial and error.

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