Cast-Iron Trivets

Q: I’ve been collecting cast-iron trivets for many years and have more than 100 different ones. Many are by Wilton. One has the year 1894 on the front. I also have about a dozen decorated with the embossed initials “JZH” that are dated from 1948 through 1952. I would like to know what they’re worth.

A: Wilton Products made cast-iron trivets, doorstops, match safes, kitchenware, sconces and figures from 1935 to 1989. The Wilton family founded Susquehanna Castings in Wrightsville, Pa., in 1893. But it was not until years later that reproductions of early American trivets were cast and decorated at the Wilton foundry. Trivets marked “JZH” were made by John Zimmerman Harner (1872-1965) at the Union Manufacturing Co. of Boyertown, Pa. Union Manufacturing made a series of alphabet trivets in cast iron from 1944 to 1958. Designs were reproductions of antique trivets. Each was marked with a letter of the alphabet, the date and the initials “JZH.” Some of the company’s popular designs were reissued. Trivets are useful, so even reproductions sell for $25 and up.