Citation:
[1] D. Knell, “TUDOR FURNITURE FROM THE MARY ROSE,” Regional Furniture Society, https://regionalfurnaturesociety.org (accessed Jun. 30, 2024).
[2] J. Gardiner, M. J. Allen, and M. A. Alburger, Before the Mast: Life and Death Aboard the Mary Rose. Oxford: Oxbow Books, 2021.
[3] “English elm,” The Wood Database, https://www.wood-database.com/english-elm/ (accessed Jun. 30, 2024).
[4] “Red Elm,” The Wood Database, https://www.wood-database.com/red-elm/ (accessed Jun. 30, 2024).
Year: 1545
Location: England
Wood
Two identical boarded scrolls were found aboard the Mary Rose, one complete and the other only the end boards. Both stools were made entirely of Elm boards with an average thickness of 24 mm [1].
I presumed, but it is not guaranteed, that these stools were made in England. Their rough finish (kerf marks apparent on the surfaces [2]). The English Elm, also know Carpathian Elm (Ulmus Procera) covers western Europe, including England [3]. I believe this is the most likely variety of Elm for these boards to be made from. This type of elm's appearance is "Heartwood is light to medium reddish brown. Paler sapwood is usually well defined. Burls of English Elm are frequently referred to as Carpathian Elm burl."[3]
Carpathian Elm is difficult to source in the united States, but there are other vairieties of Elm native to North America. The two most commonly available for lumber are the American Elm (Ulmus Americana) and the Red Elm (Ulmus Rubra). The Red Elm has an appierance of "Heartwood is light to medium reddish brown. Paler sapwood is usually well defined."[4]. I have decided to use red elm for its availability and similiar appearance to English/Carpathian Elm.
Nails
For details on nail types please see Nails. For this project I sources wrought head cut nails from Tremont Nail Company in Massachusetts. Although the nail body is not correct as it was not invented until the end of the 18th century, the head is made to mimic that of a blacksmithed nail. This substitution was made for cost and availability reasons.
For the size of the nails I chose 2" nails. There is no discussion in either text [1] or [2] on the size of the nails. As this was a shipwreck under saltwater the nails were completely missing from the find, but I believe that a detailed inspection of the wood could indicate nail length. 2" was chosen as it is approximately twice the thickness of the board and I believe this will hold well.
Finish
Measurements, drawing and assembly