In this video, I restore an old rusty wood stove made in Poland in the 19th century. More about the restoration process: When I first saw it, I was shocked by its condition—full of rust, cracks, and even missing parts. One leg was completely gone, so I had to remake it, which took skill and patience.
The restoration process was challenging, especially while disassembling the stove. I encountered microfractures in the old cast iron, a common issue when cast iron is repeatedly heated and cooled over time. I explain why this happens and show how I carefully welded and reinforced the brittle areas to make them even stronger.
Key Features of the Stove:
Material: Cast iron, durable and excellent at radiating heat.
Design: A classic cylindrical "potbelly" shape. European version.
Known as: Cannon Stove in Germany; Koza (Goat) Style Stove in Poland; and some just name it Potbelly Stove, even though it doesn't have the precise shape of such a stove.
Details: Two doors (for wood loading and ash removal) and ornate legs.
Functionality: Compact, efficient, and highly collectible.
More about the stove: Based on the inscription "N°2 STAL PRZYSUCHA," it appears that the stove was manufactured in Przysucha, a town in central Poland with a notable history in metalworking and industrial production.
Historical Context of Przysucha's Metal Industry:
In 1739, Jan Dembiński established key industrial facilities in Przysucha, including a mill, paper mill, and ironworks. By 1777, the town hosted a large furnace, metallurgical workshop, tube production facility, sawmill, and paper factory. These developments positioned Przysucha as a significant center for metal production and craftsmanship in the region.
Despite its early industrial success, Przysucha faced challenges in the 19th century due to the depletion of local iron ore deposits and the lack of railway connections. These factors contributed to the decline of its metal industry. However, the town remained renowned for its skilled artisans, particularly locksmiths specializing in the production of locks, door latches, stoves, and metal accessories.
At the end of the video, you’ll see the fully restored stove in action during a test burn! If you love restoration projects and seeing antiques brought back to life, you won’t want to miss this one.
Let me know your thoughts in the comments—I’m happy to answer any questions!
Cheers! Johnny
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