You buy ironwork for one of 3 reasons:

• for its beauty such as a piece of art work
• to serve a functional purpose such as railings
• a combination of both such as a set of fireplace tools or a bed.

There are 3 ways to make ironwork:

• machine made
• hand made
• a combination of both.

Hand made items are generally much more attractive than machine made so handmade is therefore desirable when buying something for its beauty.

Handmade is generally more expensive.

Machine made items can be produced more economically than handmade, but machine made items are less attractive and are therefore generally used for things such as railings.

Most things that you buy for beauty will be a combination of both - but the more you can afford, the more handwork, quality and beauty you will get.

 A few of the distinguishing characteristics of handmade versus machine made:

• Variations in texture, color, shape and pattern generally enhance.
• Generally iron work should feel heavy and solid for its size. Flimsy, tinny sounding items are less desirable.
• If its made of tubing (not desirable) it probably should not be called iron!
• If its made of wire (not desirable) it probably should not be called iron!
• The fewer 'weld beads' you see, the better the work.
• Is the surface smooth and uninteresting (less desirable) or does it have an interesting texture (desirable).
• Are the ends of the metal blunt (not desirable) or are they tapered and shaped (desirable) - see illustration of scroll.
• Are there burrs or ugly damage marks (not desirable).
• Is it painted, clear varnish/lacquered or wax finished. Nice textured metal work will be finished to enhance, not hide the metal surface.
• Are repeating shapes or patterns exactly the same (less desirable) or are they subtly different adding interest (desirable).