This barn beam mantel is the real deal. The ax marks date back to the late 1800s and was indeed part of an original settler barn. This particular red oak piece has a wonderful color range. It hosts a warm, medium brown but is accented with some deeper saddle brown hues. The current face has an open knot, an old round peg hole, and a filled rectangular mortise pocket. All sides are currently hand hewn. We could rotate the mantel so the current top becomes the face and the current face becomes the bottom. The current back is sub-par and would be best cut flat. We’re happy to make these changes for an additional $50. It is so incredible to me to think that beam was made by folks crossing the country in wagons, finding a place to settle down, and then working the land to survive.

The dimensions on this barn beam mantel are currently 7.5 inches tall x 7.75 inches deep x 67.25 inches long. We can cut this mantel shorter and refinish the ends for an additional for no additional cost.

The original barn was located near Viola, Wisconsin which is in the Kickapoo Valley in the southwest portion of the state. The rolling hills, small farms, and forested vistas are a gorgeous part of the area. Viola was established in 1855 and had a population of about 400 in 1900. It has remained a small down with a population of about 650 about 120 years later.

It can be shipped anywhere in the lower 48 states via FedEx Gnd for $150

About the tag – The Saturday Evening Post was a staple of the American household throughout the 1900s reaching peak circulation in 1960s with 6.5 million copies. Today, the Saturday Evening Post Society, a nonprofit, owns the magazine. An editorial staff of twelve puts out six issues a year; circulation is roughly 350,000. With a $15/yr subscription, you can see the complete digital edition of this March 6, 1948 issue.