–ON HOLD FOR JIM in New Jersey–
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Some old mantel beams have rough hand hewing and others have smooth hand hewing. This difference can be caused by a number of factors including: the species of wood, the type of tool used, the approach of the craftsman, the moisture content of the wood, and in which season the tree was cut. This particular beam has amazingly smooth and and square surfaces. This mantel has a clean face — free of mortise pockets and even knots, but nevertheless hosting some nice hand hewing marks. The top and bottom are very similar, except there is one through mortise pocket on each side which have been filled with nice end-grain plugs. The mortise pocket are true testament to where other beams came in an joined this beam in the original barn.

Overall, this beam has a pleasant rusty brown hue with a few highlights were there was sapwood on the corners. We have applied a hard wax oil which provides nice durability and easy cleaning, yet is not overly shiny. It warms up the natural colors of the old wood. We do not use any artificial stains to color our wood.

This mantel beam came from a late 1800s vintage barn near Southwest Wisconsin — out in the beautiful rolling hills. It is always nice to head out to this part of the country. You still see lots of small family farms with animals still out in the pastures. It is a welcome relief from the industrial farming that we see in our parts.

This beam is priced at $115/LF. We can cut the beam down to any length and reduce the price by $9.58 per inch, up to a maximum discount of $115.  This one can ship via FedEx Gnd. We use a flat rate of $65 for all mantels that ship via FedEx.

Note, the advertisement is from a 1950s or 1960s magazine. Breast-O-Chicken Fancy Canned Tuna.