Molding from Governor's Palace
MediumMahogany
Dimensions6 1/8" (L) x 2 1/8" (W) x 1" (T)
Object numberAF-20.3A.1
DescriptionThis small section of mahogany molding is most likely from a piece of furniture since both original shaped ends are intact.Label TextThis charred piece of molding was found in the excavated cellar of the Governor's Palace in 1931. It was believed to have been the remains of a walnut panel stile that survived the 1781 fire that destroyed the original Palace. Since the diary of William Byrd II mentioned two shipments of walnut lumber were sent to Williamsburg during reconstruction of the Palace, walnut paneling was installed in several spaces in the reconstructed Palace based on the documentary and archaeological evidence they had at the time. Due to a combination of modern-day technology and in-depth research of colonial inventories related to the Palace, we now know that this molding is mahogany and likely from a piece of furniture. The 1770 detailed inventory that had been prepared after the death of Lord Botetourt, Virginia's royal governor, had 30 itemized lines related to mahogany furniture.
ProvenanceGovernor's Palace
18th century
Mid-18th century
18th century
1650 to 1700
ca.1750
ca.1775