Rococo Dining Room Radiator Install- Why Are These So Rare?

dardo · January 12

When I first saw one of these on a post years ago, I knew I had to have one. 10 years later, I finally found one I could afford. This was salvaged from a historic home in Iowa that had suffered major damage from frozen pipes and the new owner removed the boiler for a forced air system. The radiator was so revered by the previous owner that is was a key element listed in the application for the National Trust for Historic Preservation nomination (which the property was accepted in the 1980's). A friend in Illinois saw the listing for the radiator on Marketplace- I quickly responded to the ad and the next day packed up for a 10 hour drive from Ohio to Iowa. It was a bit of a gamble, knowing it could have been cracked during the freeze but I figured it could be repaired and these are rare enough that even as a decorative piece was worth the $500 price tag. The greater risk was verifying my wife's suspicion that she had married a nutcase who drove 20 hours for an old radiator that may be in pieces. After unveiling the "piece of junk" when I returned it was immediately elevated to the most beautiful thing she had ever seen and my mental status was equally restored. It was in near perfect condition lacking only one shelf. The pressure test showed no leaks giving the green light to install in our historic home. We added this and another Rococco Radiator to a space that had been heated by an ugly hanging heater for the past 50 years. Does anybody know if the archives to the American Radiator Company exist? The 1897 and 1927 catalog that were thoughtfully posted on this site years ago shows a picture of a similar if not identical radiator. It appears they simply added a cabinet to their "window radiator" which is also shown in the catalog. I would love to know how many of these were produced and why every dining room in America didn't have one? They are such a beautiful and equally functional radiator. Although not installed in our dining room because of space issues, it also works well as a hat and sock warmer on these cold days.

jesmed1 · January 12

"After unveiling the "piece of junk" when I returned it was immediately elevated to the most beautiful thing she had ever seen and my mental status was equally restored. "

LOL…that radiator is fabulous. I assume the compartment with shelves is for keeping food and plates warm? I've never seen one of those.

dardo · January 12

Exactly- it was used to keep food warm. What a great idea….. I wish we could have used it for its intended purpose but, space just didn't allow it.

Jamie Hall · January 12

Well worth the drive! I'm jealous…

Mad Dog_2 · January 12

Easy...just look at them...True Beauty is RARE. I'm sure the were expensive when they came out and a luxury item. You're only going to see them in a high end home.

The next opportunity that presents itself, and If I have the extra cash, I'm grabbin one for MY dining room....whether it fits or not! Mad Dog

jesmed1 · January 12

For a little price comparison, these guys are selling a similar restored dining room radiator with an electric heating element. 600 pounds, and $7,025. 😲

https://ecoradinc.com/product/perfection-oven/