Antique Victorian Cast Iron Fish Tank Aquarium by J.W. Fiske

SOLD

We’re extremely pleased to have the opportunity to not only handle, but to offer an Antique Aquarium by J.W Fiske. If you’re familiar with J.W Fiske Iron Works, you already know the rarity and how valuable these pieces are. They are usually refereed to as museum pieces, and were also a spotlight items on PBS Antique Roadshow. This particular Aquarium is crafted of cast iron throughout and shows exceptional details. To our surprise, the original glass is intact and does not have any cracks. This tank is approximately 10 gallons. During the late 19th century and early 20th century, many used these pieces in greenhouses and outdoor gardens, which might have displayed more hardy fish and live plants, without a filtration system – Some may have used them as terrariums as well. It’s doubtful that the aquarium would hold water, as everything is original and the asphalt seals are worn. The cast iron finish shows decades upon decades of patina, surface rust and oxidization. These pieces can easily become restored and resealed by powder coating the finish, although we’ve chosen to keep this piece original.

DIMENSIONS:

25 wide x 17.5 tall x 13.5 deep

Age / Origin:

1890’s / United States (New York)