Est 1946
Expert Cast Iron Finger Post Repairs for Heritage Restoration
Remanufacturing can save up to 75% of the cost of a new replacement component.
You might wonder what a fingerpost is, but the chances are you’ll have seen cast iron fingerposts many, many times, probably without realising their correct name. A fingerpost is a traditional signpost with one or more arms pointing toward different locations. The name is symbolic of a pointing hand. In years gone by, cast iron fingerposts were the preferred choice of directional sign in the UK, so there’s an abundance of styles and designs out there. Made of durable cast iron and benefitting from its high castability, these structures were often topped with a finial to increase their decorative appeal. Sometimes, the finial would provide further information for example the county council the signpost resides in.
The restoration and upkeep of cast iron fingerposts are vital for conservation. Often, these structures are personal to a particular town or city, showing local places and bearing town council branding. They form an important part of the town’s architecture, each holding its own special place in history.
Many town and parish councils have created projects to restore these finger posts to their original glory. Restoring finger posts often requires dismantling, stripping back, repairing, and recoating them. In some cases, where the damage is severe, new cast iron finials and fingers are re-cast.
Cast Iron Welding Services can help restore and repair cast iron fingerposts and finials. We have a wealth of restoration experience, tackling projects up and down the country. We apply our huge passion for conservation to every structure, bringing your heritage cast iron back to life.
Cast Iron Finger Posts and the Second World War
Cast iron fingerposts can be traced back to the 19th and early 20th centuries. Local councils commonly used this type of street sign to guide travellers to a particular place and show the distance. Private landowners used fingerpost signage, too, often opting for more quirky, personal designs with elaborate finials. It is estimated that there were thousands of cast iron fingerposts within the UK, but during the Second World War, the Department of Transport ordered the removal of all street signs to prevent enemy forces from using them for navigation. Sometimes, the posts were left in place, and just the fingers were removed. After the war, some of the original fingerposts were reinstalled but many villages, towns and cities were left without their treasured signage. Those places having original cast iron fingerposts are indeed the lucky ones, and those without them have set about restoring them over the years. Reinstating and preserving these important landmarks is vital to maintain their place in history.
Expert Cast Iron Finial Restoration
High up, unprotected and exposed to the elements, cast iron fingerposts often show visible signs of ageing, including weathering, rust and cracks. Poor casting, vegetation growth and accumulated dirt can speed up the process of deterioration. The good news is these structures are perfectly restorable. Cast Iron Welding Services has lots of experience in the field of heritage restoration. We are highly knowledgeable in the field of historic architecture, design, materials and coatings. We apply our skills and passion to every restoration project we are lucky enough to be involved in.
The restoration process begins with an initial consultation, to thoroughly assess the extent of damage. We will always work closely with you to ensure the finished works meet your requirements. We aim to relocate cast iron objects to our workshop in Leicestershire to perform the repair, but restoration can be performed on-site if necessary. Damage and cracks will usually be repaired using our gas fusion welding process, skilfully restoring the structure to its original integrity. If the damage is severe, new parts can be created; cast iron has excellent casting properties meaning detailed shapes can be reinvented. Rust and old layers of paint will then be stripped back to reveal the bare cast iron. Applying the correct coating is crucial to guaranteeing the longevity of the fingerposts. We use a precision metal primer and a final coating that is closely aligned or identical to the original piece.
Investing in the maintenance of historical items is an essential part of conservation. Preserve the environment and knowledge from years gone by with cast iron heritage restoration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were fingerposts made from cast iron?
Do you have experience in heritage restoration?
Do you provide any warranties on your repair work?
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Trust Cast Iron Welding Services for all your cast iron welding requirements. Contact us today to discuss your project and benefit from our expertise in restoring and enhancing the performance of your cast iron components.
