Virginia (black) walnut

[novicetimekeeper]

There is a thread on this clock but the case restoration is so good, and the timber used such a rare survivor, I thought I would put some pics here.

Originally the cabinet make thought it might be silver birch and we were going to ebonise it.

However once he started working on it he found it was Virginia Walnut, and we went for restoring the original rich colour.

First imported to the UK in the 17th century limited access to French walnut through war, and a lack of British trees, made Virginia or Black walnut more popular in English furniture but still very unusual for clock cases. This one is around 1730-1740

 

[Chris Radano]

I think it's more commonly known as "American walnut". I was not aware the English used American walnut for clock cases. But why not? It was certainly used for clock cases here.

 

[novicetimekeeper]

I think it's more commonly known as "American walnut". I was not aware the English used American walnut for clock cases. But why not? It was certainly used for clock cases here.

Now and in the US perhaps, but at the time Virginia was a Colony of the UK and that was the situation for the majority of the time it was in use here. I believe the Commonwealth of Virginia has a right to join the Commonwealth of Nations as a former British Colony.

I would think use of the timber fell out of favour when quality Mahogany became more readily available as it has more figuring in the grain. That would also coincide with disputes between Virginia and the Crown and the subsequent war of Independence.

I've seen English furniture of the period in Black Walnut, but never knowingly a clock case.