More often that one might think, we find barns that are filled with the barn beams of their predecessor. We’ll find that all of the floor joists in a timber frame barn are logs from an preceeding old log barn.  The old beams and logs have just  been re-used in the easiest way possible. So some of the mantels that were are crafting are not on their 2nd re-use, but rather, their 3rd reuse. This wonderful hand hewn red elm beam is exactly one of those beams. Based on the notches, the hand hewn character, and all of the other beams that were with it, we can surmise that it was originally a rafter plate in an old log building — presumably a barn. In this area, that means late 1800s vintage kind of stuff.

This beam has beautiful reddish – orange color. It has 3 clean, hand hewn sides with no mortise holes. And at the bottom back, it has 3 notches where rafters once joined this beam. With a little looking, you’ll also find traces of old square nails.

This beam comes from an old dairy barn located between Norwood, Minnesota and Bongards, Minnesota. It was on what is known as a “Century Farm.” This is a farm that has been in a family for over 100 years. In the picture, you can see an old colorized photo of the farm, including the barn.

A hardwax oil finish has been applied, but no stain has been applied. Pretty amazing all natural color.

While we’re happy to cut this one down in size, I’m sorry but we can’t reduce the price on it. It is an exceptionally nice beam.