As previously mentioned, I managed to come across 16 cast iron, spiral staircase steps from a Stockholm brewery founded in 1896. Unfortunately, there were only steps – nothing else was available. And so began the hunt for the center post, handrail and balusters. Center post wasn’t an issue – I sourced that from the local steel supplier. I think I have solved the handrail issue too, more on that later. The big problem was the balusters, as I wanted them to look period correct, preferably be original (i.e. not reproduction) and not cost too much. Impossible, you say? I say not!
My scavenging of the Swedish sources of such artifacts, I was left emptyhanded. I found some in the US, but shipping/customs proved to be too steep. After digging deeper online, I came across a company in Glasgow, aptly named Glasgow Architectural Salvage. They were listing a pretty much perfect set of balusters at a decent price. To my dismay, however, as I called them up I learned that they had sold the balusters in question a long time ago, but forgotten to remove the listing. “But perhaps these can be of interest”, the friendly voice at the other end of the line uttered and sent over some pictures via WhatsApp. Indeed, they could!
With outstanding support & help from Marc Ali at InXpress Glasgow, I now have in my possession 20 pcs. of period perfect, cast iron balusters ready to be tailored to my stairs. More to come!