A four-foot-long beam from 1735 is selling for $40,000. It's provenance explains why: it was removed from Independence Hall during a 19th Century renovation, the symbol of the Revolutionary War. Independence Hall was renovated from 1897-1898 and the 16 original beams were removed and replaced. Project superintendent Samuel S. Reeves the beams were sold and cut up to make souvenir relics.
The single beam is for sale at the New York Times Store, on behalf of Historic Pen Company. The 48 x 10.5 x 10.5" long wood artifact weighs more than 100 pounds.
Historic Pen creates fine writing instruments, picture frames, bottle stoppers, ornaments, magnets, bookmarks, furniture, knives, watches and artwork from what it has branded as "Witness Wood®" of cultural significance, repurposing artifacts "that normally would be discarded in the preservation, restoration and renovation process," the company says. "We strive to 'Keep History Alive' by salvaging and repurposing pieces of our past that typically would be lost to time."
Historic Pen's wood species such as bog oak, ebony, kauri, ebony, are reclaimed from numerous structures with local and national appeal, such as an Oakland, CA railcar, San Quentin federal prison, and Mount Vernon, home of George Washington.
Salvaged wood includes Atlantic City and other boardwalks, wooden ships of the world, and whiskey barrels, among other sources. "Our business model gives old resources new life," says Historic Pen. "With great political, social and environmental challenges facing mankind in the 21st century, our once-strong relationship with our forefathers and national identity is fading into obscurity. Historic Pen Company is not only committed to preserving our country’s sites and buildings, but is also dedicated to supporting charities, organizations, communities and historic sites."
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