Large Wooden Industrial Foundry Mold, circa 1910
ABOUT
Large industrial wood mold used to make metal parts in San Jose California. The piece consists of two halves when joined together create a round, manufacturing part. This item can be displayed as an industrial part or separate the pieces and hang them on the wall.
This piece would lend itself to creating sconces out of them by putting a light inside each piece.The piece has retained its original finish and is in excellent condition with appropriate patina for its age.
- CREATOR Unknown
- DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1910
- MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES Painted wood
- CONDITION Excellent. Wear consistent with age and use.
- DIMENSIONS H 38 in. W 14 in. D 14 in.
HISTORY
Foundry molds and patterns are wooden tools, carved out or built up to create negative space, which in turn is used to make the inverse form or shape to be used for the casting of metal. To make a wooden mold, wood needs to be stacked up, like a relief, or cut out, like a sunken relief, with handles or other pieces to grab and pick up the mold from the molding material. Individual pattern pieces that get packed into the molding material are carved and shaped. The space or forms that these pieces make in the molding material will be the inverse of the final cast piece.
These antique foundry molds from the Machine Age are a reminder of the nation’s industrial past, a large factor in shaping the culture of the Modern era in America. They are unique, authentic pieces formed through a number of processes and craftsmanship. Additionally, these pieces could be hung from the walls to serve as pieces of art.
