T.J. MURPHY IRON WORKS
619 GREENWICH ST N.Y.
The Local Foundry
T.J. Murphy Iron Works was a small foundry in Greenwich Village, only a few minutes walk from where this cover is installed on King St. The indefatigable Walter Grutchfield found that it operated from 1913 to 1938 at that location. The building at 19 King Street was built in 1899, so this cover was probably an upgrade from an early cover.
DESIGN:
A most typical coal-hole cover from the start of the 20th century; a star, studs, and a very legible calling card from the maker.
UTILITY:
Coal chute cover, current usage unknown.
RANGE:
This cover is on the sidewalk of 19 King St. in Greenwich Village. There are several others by T.j. Murphy with slightly different designs in the Village and Lower East Side.
