Rack - Oak - Stone mold with iron fittings

Decorative wall rack, originally a stone mold

In general, these authentic, handmade stone molds are considered antiques. They date from the era of manual brick production. Looks-like molds are estimated to be around 100 years old. Sometimes even from the 19th century (the 1800s).

Main features of 19th-century stone molds: made of (oak) wood. They were four-sided, rectangular boxes with no top or bottom. The upper edge was usually equipped with metal strips (iron fittings) to prevent wear from constant use. Extended sides served as handles. And it involved custom-made sizing. A number of these features are present in this mold.
I date it 1900–1920. There are physical signs of wear from intensive use visible. That varies from one mold to another. I estimate the mold at around 100 years old or even older.

This mold is a substantial piece, beautiful patina on the wood but also on the iron. A warm, worn look; this rack would certainly not look out of place in an industrial interior and would be an eye-catcher. The weight is 6.5 kilograms, almost one and a half kilograms heavier than other molds. This is because the riveted fittings run along the front and back. Oak is already a heavier type of wood, but this iron also adds weight. On the front, next to the vertical fittings, iron is riveted to the horizontal sections as well. This hardware provided durability in brick production. It also contributed to stability during filling: when manually making bricks, wet clay was smeared or pressed into the mold with force. A heavy, stable mold was essential to keep it in place and maintain a consistent shape while the clay was pressed in and the excess was removed. The bricks produced from this mold are 4.5 cm thick and 23.5 cm long and bear the name “Rhine- or Vecht-format” (named after the rivers).

Wooden stone molds were formerly used in brick factories to make hand-formed bricks. Today they are very popular as decorative objects in a country or industrial interior and are often repurposed for decorative purposes.
This type of object is often referred to as a “stone mold wall rack” or “stone mold letter tray.” Small items, herb pots, or miniatures can be displayed in it. A photo is attached.

In this area where the mold came from, there were several brick factories. Along the rivers Rhine and Vecht (as well as the Meuse and Waal), the presence of river clay and the possibility of water transport (via the rivers and later canals) were the main reasons for the establishment of this industry along these rivers. The concentration of brick factories was particularly large upstream in Limburg province, but also in the central river region (the Land van Maas en Waal) brick factories were prominently present. Almost all brick factories with this artisanal way of working have closed.

Dimensions:
Height 102 cm
Width 28 cm
Depth 7 cm
Weight 6.5 kg

In the photos you can observe the condition of this object. The mold has a lived-in, rough and damaged appearance. Knots, nails, dents—everything is visible. For this reason, close-up photos have been taken. The photos give a good impression of the reasonable condition and are part of the description. You will receive only the mold; the other objects in the photos are for illustration.

The mold will be carefully packed and insured for shipment to you."