An ultra-rare early carved oak doorframe, of good height, probably dating from the late 16th or early 17th Centuries. I believe it to be Elizabethan.
This beautifully constructed oak frame would have graced a high status property, the ovolo moulding making it more decorative and the moulding stop being an attractive feature. A perfect item for the restoration or extension of an early property, potentially an important listed manor house, or similar, where originality is key. There are no hinge rebates, it was normal during this period for the door to be hung on metal hinge pins which are secured in the adjacent masonry. There is no door rebate or stop – the door should close against the rear face.
This frame is in great condition as it once occupied an internal position in an early dwelling in a Somerset village where numerous listed houses exist. Some years after original installation it was left in-situ and incorporated into a partition which divided the property. The frame has not suffered the effects of weathering of those examples which have been in an external application. The stud wall in which this frame was discovered was built with lath & plaster, possibly around the Georgian period, so this stunning frame has been hidden away and preserved from deterioration for probably a couple of hundred years. It was discovered by a carpenter/joiner who was undertaking some building renovations some time ago. There was no step.
DIMENSIONS:
Header width: 109 cm
Frame width external: 104 cm
Frame width internal: 81-82 cm (80 cm in middle)
Height external: 188 cm Height external with bottom tenons: 192 cm
Height internal: 176 cm
Frame thickness or depth: 9.5 cm
CONDITION:
The frame is largely original but is missing its threshold step – if one existed. The frame is solid and sturdy. Being internal it may have been morticed into a base plate or floor joists. The frame lower tenons are intact which would help facilitate incorporating a replacement step if necessary. The header is attached with tenon joints, again intact and in good condition.
A couple of hand-made pegs will ideally need to be sourced or fashioned to secure the joints. The ovolo moulding and stop details are in lovely order and as near mint condition as is possible. The left hand upright is very good, it exhibits some bark on the outside edge. The right hand upright has a large concave section missing on the outer back edge, but there is sufficient ‘meat’ left on the timber for fixing onto a wall or into a wall rebate. It appears to have been crafted with an area of sapwood which may explain this. Both vertical sections have a bow towards the inside.
Cosmetically the finish is quite original. Much of the frame exhibits its original paint; an off-white lead primer with a top coat of a dark ginger colour, correctly associated with woodwork from this period. There is some historic insect activity and various nail holes from the laths. A hand-made nail and a couple of extra peg holes are present. The light stripes which can be seen on the paint finish are due to the spreading of lime plaster onto the lathes at the time when the frame was covered over. Although they represent a period of its history, the appearance of these stripes could be sympathetically blended in to make them less noticeable if required.
SHIPPING: If you require a quote for carriage, we recommend you try the following couriers:
* Jeremy Hawke Couriers. Please give them a call on 01392 793040 at their Exeter base.
* AMB Couriers – AndyMoves – 07900 312968
This fabulous piece of heritage is a rare item, not something you can find easily. Quite possibly the only one of its type available, especially with much the original finish intact.
PRICE £1800
To view or purchase this on Etsy please click here: Elizabethan Oak Doorframe
or email us on: info@minervacompany.uk
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