Will removing the centre section of an antique cast iron trough & welding it back together devalue it greatly?

Question

I have an antique cast iron trough which I would like to fit into a recess and fill with plants. Unfortunately the trough is longer than the recess. If I arrange to have the middle section removed and the 2 ends welded back together plus drill holes for drainage will this greatly devalue the item?

Answer 1

Anytime you alter a antique it going to decrees its value. You need to ask you self is what Im doing worth what I am destroying... And weigh the pros an cons, is destroying a piece of history worth having a flower planter or yard ornament.. But on the same hand the more people who cut weld and alter them just makes the price of mine go up... So cut away... LOL

Answer 2

After the planned changes to your antique trough have been made, it will be just a planter and the value as such. Find a suitable place for the trough in your garden to make it a focal point. For the recess build a new trough maybe from wood or come up with a different decorative solution.

Answer 3

Any alterations in an antique item will decrease its value, much less cutting the item in half then drilling holes in it. A weld will never look as good as the original product anyway. If you do choose to do that I found a web site on the proper way to weld cast iron. I would not do it but it is yours and the decision to do so is in your hands.


Cast iron is difficult, but not impossible, to weld. In most cases, welding on cast iron involves repairs to castings, not joining casting to other members. The repairs may be made in the foundry where the castings are produced, or may be made to repair casting defects that are discovered after the part is machined. Mis-machined cast iron parts may require repair welding, such as when holes are drilled in the wrong location. Frequently, broken cast iron parts are repaired by welding. Broken cast iron parts are not unusual, given the brittle nature of most cast iron.

Answer 4

The quick answer is YES it will then not be original.
I was watching TV recently. and someone had a genuine nude figure in bronze. The price was £6000
They thought they would increase its value, so had it burnished and polished until it was gleaming.
When they tried to sell it, they got £3000 as they had altered it..
I hope this answers your question.

Answer 5

Anytime you modify an old item,it goes down in value but the modification you are talking about may be worse!

Answer 6

I do not think you can weld cast iron anyway.

Answer 7

Short answer? Yes.

Answer 8

yes, any moderations will affect the value. don't do it

Answer 9

yes ruin it