articles and news
27 Feb 2015
New valve in store – Berliner Messingventile
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by paula

Inspired by an antique model of a radiator valve found in a basement in Berlin, we created the Berliner Messingventile. It was an art piece that stood the test of time, and it was our duty to revive it, being aware of the touch of elegance it will bring in people’s homes. It took tens of sketches and drawings, but eventually we succeeded in creating a new model, in both angle and straight versions.

berliner-small-detail

Dating back at the end of the 1890s, Berliner Messingventile thoroughly explains the exact characteristics of the Arts&Crafts and beginning of the Art Nouveau era. Made entirely out of brass with a bakelite handle, this radiator valve describes a beautiful floral pattern which brings out the truly magnificent design of the Art Nouveau period, perfectly suited for antique cast iron radiators. Not only are these heating devices more effective than modern ones, but they also bring personality to your home.

From a historical point of view, radiators as we know them date to 1863, when Joseph Nason and Robert Briggs patented a new design featuring vertical wrought iron tubes screwed into a cast iron base. Nelson Bundy invented the first popular cast iron radiator in 1874. By the 1880s, cast iron sectional radiators became very popular. Competition between manufacturers of boilers and radiators was intense. The late 19th century saw the rise of the Business Trust, and the heating industry was quick to use this business form to improve the competitive situation. The most successful trust was the American Radiator Company, which consolidated a number of the leading boiler and radiator manufacturers in 1891.

If you consider yourself to be passionate about art and interior design, an antique piece is a must-have item for your home. These vintage radiator valves complete the design of an antique cast iron radiator by bringing a slice of history into your own home. The radiators are available in a wide range of colours, and you can chose the one which best matches the brass shade of the valve, and alongside the floral and organic drawings, they will take you back to the end of the 19th century. Your house will undoubtedly look more classy and elegant!

 

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