Antique oak door frame a rare late 16th Century carved oak Elizabethan ovolo stop moulded door frame in extremely original condition.
An ultra-rare early carved oak door frame, of good height, probably dating from the late 16th or early 17th centuries. I believe it to be elizabethan. Provenance: from an ancient house (with early origins) in close proximity to the grade i listed church in church street, norton st.
The ovolo moulding making it more decorative than many and the moulding stop being an attractive feature, which is in mint condition - almost as crisp as when it was carved. 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. Probably 100-150 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 lath & plaster internal wall in which this frame was discovered was constructed possibly around 1700, so this stunning frame has been hidden away and preserved from deterioration for probably three hundred years. It was discovered by a carpenter/joiner who was undertaking some building renovations some time ago.
Frame width internal: 81-82 cm (80cm in middle). Height external with bottom tenons: 192cm.
Frame thickness or depth: 9.5cm. Condition: the frame is extremely original; it 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 step if necessary. The header is attached with tenon joints, again intact and in good condition. A couple of dowels or ideally hand-made pegs will be required 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 amazingly 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. 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. Prices are worked out by weight and size of parcel. All parcels are sent with full tracking. This item is made of oak.