Rack - Oak - Stone mold with iron fittings

Decorative wall shelf, originally a stone mold

Overall, these authentic, handmade stone molds are considered antique. They date from the period of manual brick production.
Look-alike molds are estimated to be about 100 years old.
Sometimes even the 19th century (the 1800s).

Main features of 19th-century stone molds: made of (oak) wood. They were four-sided, rectangular boxes without top or bottom. The upper edge was usually fitted with metal strips to prevent wear from constant use. Extended sides served as handles. And it was custom-made. Some of these features are present in this mold.
I date it to 1900–1920. There are visible physical signs of wear from intensive use. That has affected some dies more than others. I estimate the die to be around 100 years old or even older.

This mold is a substantial piece, with a beautiful patina and a warm, worn appearance. It will certainly not look out of place in an industrial interior.
The weight is 4.9 kilograms,

The nailed-on fixture, which extends partly to the rear, also gives the mold its weight.
This fixture contributed to durability.
In addition, it provided stability during filling:

In manual brickmaking, wet clay was smeared or pressed into the mold with force.
A heavy, stable mold was essential to stay in place and maintain a consistent shape while the clay was pressed in and the excess was removed.
The bricks that came out of this mold are called "Waaltjes".

Wooden stone molds were traditionally used in brick factories to make hand-formed bricks. Today, they are very popular as decorative objects in rural or industrial interiors and are often reused for decorative purposes.
This type of object is often referred to as a 'steenmal wandrek' or 'steenmal letterbak.' Small items, spice jars, or miniatures can be displayed in it. A photo has been added.

In the area where the mold comes from there have been several brickworks. Around the Waal and Meuse rivers, the availability of river clay and the possibility of transport over water (via the rivers and later canals) were the main reasons for establishing this industry along these rivers. The concentration of brickworks was especially large in this central river region (the Land van Maas en Waal), but upstream in the province of Limburg brickworks were also prominently present. Almost all brickworks operating with this artisanal method have closed.

The measurements
Height: 99 cm
Width 24 cm
Depth 7 cm
Weight 4.9 kg

From the photos you can observe the condition of this object. The mold has a worn, rough, and damaged appearance. Knots, nails, dents—everything is visible. For this reason, detailed photos were taken. The photos give a good impression of the fair condition and are part of the description. You will receive only the mold; the other objects in the photos are for illustration.

The mold is well packed, insured, and shipped to you.