Antique Double-Sided Wooden Industrial Foundry Mold Pattern – 6 Gear Forms – Folk Art Machine Age Decor.
Unusual antique double-sided wooden industrial pattern or mold form featuring six raised gear- or cog-shaped forms arranged across a substantial handmade wooden panel.
Constructed almost entirely of wood, the piece has a wonderfully untouched industrial surface with layers of dark blue-gray and brown paint, exposed wood, wear, oxidation to the projecting center pins, old mounting holes, and evidence of its original working life.
Both sides are fitted with six raised circular forms. One side features pronounced gear/cog-shaped forms, while the opposite side has corresponding round segmented forms. Several retain hand-applied identification markings including H2, H3 and H4. One gear form also appears to have a small cast or impressed marking, but there are no other manufacturer, company, or location markings present.
The exact original application has not been identified. Its construction is consistent with an old industrial wooden pattern, foundry-related pattern board, manufacturing mold/pattern, or shop pattern, but we are leaving the precise use unattributed rather than making an unsupported identification.
The piece is particularly appealing today as an authentic piece of American industrial history and machine-age material culture. Displayed vertically, it has the visual presence of industrial folk art or found-object sculpture and would work exceptionally well in a loft, workshop, industrial interior, restaurant, office, or collection of early manufacturing artifacts.
Approximate Dimensions:
19" high × 16" wide × 6" deep
Construction: Wood with projecting wood forms/pins and old painted surface.
Condition: Authentic as-found antique condition with substantial age and working wear. There are scratches, paint loss, surface grime, oxidation, old holes, edge wear, splits/cracks and losses to portions of the wooden board. Some areas show old repairs or reinforcement. The projecting forms remain attached. Please examine all photographs carefully, as they are an important part of the condition description.
No additional identifying markings were found.
A visually striking and highly unusual survivor with an excellent untouched industrial surface. Whether collected as an early manufacturing artifact or displayed purely for its sculptural quality, this is a piece with considerable character that would be difficult to duplicate.