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Very Nice Gently Hand Hewn Mantel Shelf (AUSTRALIA)

Additional information

Weight 89 lbs
Dimensions 76 × 4.25 × 9.25 in
Wood:

Texture:

Color:

,

Size Category:     

Mantel Type

Price:

$633.00

Out of stock

Product Description

Sold to Jackie from Virginia

–Sold to Jackie from Virginia on 10/7/2017 —
We may have some other similar beams available. Please contact us at antiqueww@gmail.com for a list of more finished mantels as well as available raw stock. Thank you!

 

We purchased a small batch of some of the best beams that I’ve ever seen. They have a perfect color with gentle hand hewing and a great history. The warm brown tones just radiate from this mantel. This is all natural color that develops over time.

This particular beam started out as a 9×9. We cut it in 1/2 to make two mantel shelves. The top side shows the lighter interior that is more typical of white oak. The front and bottom show the beautiful patina color that develops over time in a barn environment. On the top side, you can see the nearly quarter-of-an-inch of color that has penetrated into the wood. While the top is currently lighter, we could cheat and modify this one so that the top is darker and more closely matches the bottom. We’d probably re-sand the top and apply ammonia to naturally darken.

The back side has an original mortise pocket that we left as-is. There are empty peg holes on the top and bottom that are a testament to the fact that this was an original use as a barn.

The hand hewing on this beam is very subtle — which shows great craftsmanship. Often times, you’ll see beams that are “choppy” looking. To get beams smoother, they work the beam several times with different tools. For example, they may do the first pass with a broad ax or even a felling ax. Then do a second or third pass with an adz.

We applied a finish of Rubio Monocoat to give the mantel durability and just the right natural sheen. But, it still has this great, natural touchable quality.

We gathered a collection of beams from a historical Flour Mill later turned barn in Paynesville, Minnesota. The Paynesville Historical Society writes, “Wheat was the number one crop. This crop brought in the money. The Applegren Mill at Old Town (Paynesville) was world famous. John Peter Applegren purchased the mill in 1869. It had been a grist mill but was converted of the grinding of flour by Applegren. He produced Paynesville Rolled Flour which was a favorite with housewives. John’s Flour Mill, as it was affectionately called in Paynesville, also produced a very special flour called Golden Drop Flour. In 1893, he took 50 pounds of it in a pure silk bag to the Chicago World’s Fair. He won a gold medal and a scroll”

This mantel beam is priced at $100 per LF at 76 inches. We can cut to any size, but the price on this one is fixed. This is such a great piece, it is well worth the price. This one can ship via FedEx Gnd for $65.

The tag is a cartoon from a 1929 newspaper that we found being used as insulation in an old house near Minneapolis, Minnesota. They not only used newspaper for insulation, but there was actually a company that manufactured a product where about a 1/4in of newspaper was sewn together with a Kraft paper backer.

More Mantel Inventory

You can shop some available mantel beams and thinner mantel shelves on this website. 

However, our website here only contains a small number of all of the mantels that we have in stock.
We are literally a mom-and-pop shop that does lots of custom work. We often just don’t quite find enough time to update this website regularly.
We have nearly 150 finished mantels and another 500 or so unfinished pieces in stock at any time that can be viewed with other links. 

We also do lots of custom work. If we understand what you are seeking, we can find and create that magic piece.

Please contact us for a full list and personal recommendations. We’re happy to chat and find a great piece for you.

We work with a great local blacksmith to add metal straps and other ornamentation to our mantels. He is the real deal — coal forged and hand hammered. The metalwork has great color and tight fit. Nothing machined. We can start with a finished mantel you find on our site, or we can start with raw stock for more options.

Here are a few examples of the hundreds that we have crafted over the years. We can work together to create something unique. You can also browse our Mantels with Metalwork page.

Mantel with metal rings  Fireplace Mantel with Metal Cross 

In most cases, no special and expensive brackets are required — just some lag screws. The different approaches outlined are very strong, simple, and economical. Take a look at our mantel installation tips.

Contact us via email at antiqueww@gmail.com or call 612-281-9330.