single all original late 19th century black enameled salvaged chicago graystone two-flat floor register and surround

intact late 19th century antique american victorian era fully functional ornamental cast iron interior residential flush mount grate designed and fabricated by the tuttle & bailey mfg., co., new york city, ny. the decorative floor grate retains the original surround. the louvered grate has a uniform black enameled finish. surface wear evident. likely dates to 1895-1905. the louvers are in good working condition. the grate was salvaged from a chicago graystone residence. 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.