Medium-High; the pore structure, color under the finish, and the context of a caned chair frame are highly characteristic of traditional Mahogany furniture. confidence

Mahogany (African or Honduran likely)

Khaya ivorensis or Swietenia macrophylla · Exotic/Tropical Hardwood

Type: Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Origin: West Africa (Khaya) or Central/South America (Swietenia)
Hardness: 830 - 1,070 lbf (Soft to Medium)
Durability: Moderately Durable; generally resistant to dry wood termites and rot, though varied by specific species subspecies.

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Grain Pattern

Interlocked grain, appearing straight in this specific cut, with a fine to medium uniform texture and slight ribbon-stripe figure visible under the dark finish.

Color & Appearance

Medium to dark reddish-brown heartwood. The sample has a deep, aged patina with a lustrous sheen, though heavily stained; it likely matures from a pinkish-brown to a deep mahogany red over time.

Hardness (Janka)

830 - 1,070 lbf (Soft to Medium)

Durability & Decay Resistance

Moderately Durable; generally resistant to dry wood termites and rot, though varied by specific species subspecies.

Value & Sustainability

Estimated Market Value: $10.00 - $20.00 per board foot depending on specific species and figured grain.
Wood Age Estimate: 40–70 years based on the style of the caning, the thickness of the lacquer patina, and slight craquelure in the finish.
Sustainability Status: Swietenia macrophylla is CITES Appendix II listed. Khaya species are listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.

Common Uses

Fine furniture, cabinetry, turned objects, veneer, musical instruments, and high-end joinery for chair frames.

Geographic Origin

West Africa (Khaya) or Central/South America (Swietenia)

Workability

Excellent; easy to work with both hand and machine tools. Glues and finishes very well, though interlocked grain can occasionally cause tearout during planing.

Finish Recommendations

Shellac or oil-based lacquer is recommended to maintain the historical luster; the sample appears to have a thick Nitrocellulose lacquer or dark tinted varnish.