Early 1900's U.S. mailbox and pedestal

[COREY]

This is kind of a strange thing to be talking about, but I was wondering if anyone would know anything about an old mailbox or its value. I came across this old cast iron mailbox and have always wanted one. It is even on its original cast iron base. All I have ever seen are just the mailbox, no pedestal. They are asking $200 for it. Looks great with no damage. Even has the original brass tags on it. Just something different and kind of cool, don't you think?

[mznb1u]

I don't know anything about them but it would seem to be a good price.  I have looked at a lot of old Gamewell Fire Alarm Boxes and Police Call Boxes (which would be comparable to that item) on E-bay and they often sell in that range.  I would think that having the post along with the box would add to the value!

  Tim

[VMC 81]

cool piece and you could use as a mail box once restored

[sodaworks]

BUY IT!! I paid 450 just for my box. I have it restored and sitting on a pole in the flower bed.

[davethebirdman]

I'm with Terry ... Grab while you can.

[Kilroy]

It's been on my wishlist forever.  Grab it at that price and condition!

[Eric]

I agree.. get it... that's awesome... I'd want to use it but be afraid someone would take it...

[COREY]

Well guys, I bought it!! I should be getting it next week. Can't wait! Can anyone give any advise on restoring something made of cast iron? I restored an early 40's Gamewell police call box a while back buy bead blasting the shell. It still made the finish a little rough but I was afraid to try and fill in all the imperfections. I didn't want to make it look brand new. So on something like this mail box, where do you draw the line when it comes to trying to do too much? One of you stated that you had one restored and in a flower bed. What all did you do to it and do you have any pictures of it? Thanks again for everyones input and I will try and post some before and after pictures of it.

[mznb1u]

Great score!

  Tim

[Eric]

Just use a paint stripper on it... that way you wouldn't damage the pot metal/cast iron.... and I'm sure, like everything else, there is a mailbox collector group out there somewhere in some form that could give you colors and examples of other boxes and history... but they wouldn't be as cool as this group...
nice score!