Boxwood moulds

[Timh]

We are looking to add to our collection of Victorian boxwood moulds collection so asking if anyone knows of any anywhere.
They're quite rare but do pop up sometimes. Thanks.

[OldSchool]

Did you see this post a few days ago? 10 Boxwood molds for sale. https://www.theframersforum.com/viewtop ... e662ecb3b8

[Timh]

I did thanks. These are pitch moulds and we're on the lookout for boxwood moulds. Pitch can deteriorate over it's whole life. They've also been a bit overpriced for what the are but sincere thanks for the heads up.

[vintage frames]

That's interesting.
I've never heard of 'pitch' moulds before.
I'm assuming that is some sort of tar derivative and has been used to cast from an original ornament as opposed to a boxwood mould which has been carved to create the original.
Timh is right, they are a bit over-priced for what they are.
You can get the same type of corner decorations here in the UK from Decowood.
The most valuable and useful moulds are of 'running patterns' such as beading, 'lambs tongue and leaf 'n berry.

[JFeig]

Timh is correct in that they are disposable "working molds" vs hand carved master patterns. I once visited Decorators Supply in Chicago and saw the entire operation. The positive wood patterns are pressed into heated bitumem asphalt that form a negative image that can be filled with the compo. After pressing the bitumen is removed from the mold and cut by hand from a wood pressing board. They are then allowed to cool and dry for handling.
Decorator Supply of Chicago has a storage vault of well over 1,000 master carvings that were made in the 19th century. They also cast in reinforced plaster for building ornament details. https://decoratorssupply.com/

Note: what they supply today is far superior to most other sources due to their working molds being made from the original master carvings.

[vintage frames]

Thanks for that JFeig.

After pressing the bitumen is removed from the mold

I assume you mean 'compo' removed from the mold.

[JFeig]

Yes, my mind just works faster than my fingers which have a mind of their own.

[Timh]

I have just managed to get another 400 moulds as part of a huge collection that sold in days. I think there were 4000 in total. We're always on the lookout so thanks for keeping me posted.