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A pair of cast Iron park bench ends (illustrated) and tie rod. Ouroboros motif, the ancient mystical symbol representing a dragon devouring its own tail. They are heavy with each weighing about 32 lbs. I have seen other Victorian iron bench ends but have not seen this dragon head motif before, or by searching on line. They were a rough casts with some porosity and flashing. I cleaned them up so they could be safely handled. I wire brushed, used a rust treatiment, primer, and will finish them a flat Green. They appear to be very old from the casting method and the pitting on tie rod. I removed what I consider to be the replacement slats to the original slats. The ones removed were oak and were beginning to rot and the fasteners were moden carriage bolts that were rusting away. I have machined new white oak planks and have gotten the bronze carriage bolts to reassemble with (bronze bolts can be quite expensive now).
I think they are Victorian and would welcome any insight as to dating and value.
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