Found a rusted, circular floor grate from the 1800's. What should I do with it?

Turn it into a wall hanging.

What’s the diameter @Jude?

5 inches

It is fairly rusty, though.

Since it’s pretty rusty, I’d either use it as a potpourri cover (say you’d fill the potpourri into some vintage glass vase or??) Then top the glass with this floor grate…or I’d find a nifty outdoor use if you’re concerned with the rust. Maybe use it as a base to a candle?

Thanks.

It is in this sort of shape. Nicer design, though.

Use something like this to help with the issue of rust

Brush it with a wire bristle barbecue brush and some white vinegar. That should help.

You should post a picture.

The first thing I thought when I saw the example that you linked to was that this would make an awesome clock!

I’ve never tried this myself, but I hear making a DIY clock is simple, quick, and easy. And there are plenty of “how-to“s on how to do this. Essentially, all you need is a movement mechanism with cool hands and some basic supplies/tools, and you’ve got yourself a one-of-a-kind wall clock!

If you’re not into that idea, I would simply hang it up on the wall or display it on a shelf using a plate stand, since it seems that it would be really beautiful on its own.

If you’re worried about the rust, I would back it with something before hanging it on the wall or placing it directly on furniture.

Use Naval Jelly to get rid of the rust. Then the grate can be used as an outdoor ash tray (If anyone you know still smokes) or a trivet to hold hot things (like barbecue tools or a hot pan.)
Interesting problem.

You can also paint it with rustoleum (sp?) and use it as a backdrop or mini-trellis in a flower pot or as trivet like @Sunny2 mentioned. Keep it on your range top.

Soak it in a solution of half white vinegar, half water. Use a brush (not too wired as you will scratch it) to remove the rust.

Use it as:
trivet
desk paper weight
coaster
conversation piece

Do you have a Dremel tool? The bronze brush would take the rust off in a hurry.

Frame it.

After cleaning it (or not, rusty could be good, too).

It takes maybe $5 bucks of molding and a cheap miter box

Whatever you decide to do, post pics please!

Put it in a shadow box as a wall hanging. Maybe you could find some more and get a little collection going!

I would have it sand blasted and coated to remove the rust and keep more from forming. Then I would paint it either a flat black or that greenish color.

I think I might use it as a trivet. When you first said what you had I was thinking it would be larger, I was going to suggest having a base made for it and use it as a coffee table. 5 inches would be a really small table though :-)

Let us know what you decide, it sounds like a neat thing to have.

Keep the rust! Start an outdoor found art collection.

Vintage water valves are pretty cool too.

I’ll take a picture of it today.