Another beautiful and much sought after Coalbrookdale ‘Hound and Serpent ’ cast iron garden seat that we have fully restored. It dates back to the mid-19th Century, and comes with the foundry number and diamond/lozenge patent registration stamp, depicting Coalbrookdale Class 1 (material), ‘C’. The design, number 17597 is the second oldest seat design registered and patented by the Coalbrookdale Foundry at the Public Records Office, on 6th April 1844.  It appears as seat No. 9 in their 1875 Castings Catalogue, Section III, page 249

This famous design, sometimes referred to the Serpent and Grape, was exported throughout the British Empire and beyond. It features hound head terminals to the arms of the supports, which incorporate a curled serpent entwined with a grapevine, the snakes’ wide-open mouth about to pluck a grape from the vine. The supports stand on elaborate stylized paw feet. British Benches bought the pair of bench supports which needed some slights repair but there no losses to the original castings. The heavy rust was removed by careful sand blasting and the metal then primed and hand painted three coats of light grey metal paint, RAL 7035. The seating slats are made from 60-year-old reclaimed English Oak, planed and given a slight edge chamfer. They are secured by hidden fixings on the underside and treated with Osmo waterproof and UV protective oil. A lateral restraint bar, tied to the mid back support ensures rigidity in the structure and firmness in the seat.

These original, heavy cast iron benches complete with their stamps showing authenticity are becoming increasing few and far between. It could grace any garden and would be a great investment for the future.

British Benches is an independent restorer of authentic, historic castings and are not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any foundry. The bench shown is a restored, authentic C19th original Coalbrookdale bench.