Black Walnut (Circassian / French Walnut profile)
Juglans nigra or Juglans regia • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Highly figured burl or crotch grain with wavy and irregular characteristics. Features complex swirls, dark mineral streaks, and a marbled pattern typical of decorative veneers.
Color Description
Rich chocolate brown heartwood with golden-tan highlights. Deep oxidation and patina have softened the contrast over time. High natural luster with visible chatoyance in the figured areas.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; poor insect resistance but good decay resistance in heartwood, though veneer is susceptible to moisture damage.
Common Uses
High-end piano cabinetry, fine furniture, decorative veneers, architectural panels, and gunstocks.
Geographic Origin
Native to Eastern North America (J. nigra) or Europe/Middle East (J. regia), though widely used in global piano manufacturing.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$15 to $40 per board foot for high-grade figured lumber; antique figured veneer sheets are valued based on rarity and size.
Wood Age Estimate
Approximately 100+ years, consistent with historical 1921 piano manufacture; shows significant oxidation and ambering of the original finish.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available but high-grade figured logs are increasingly rare.
Workability
Generally works well with hand and machine tools, though figured sections like this are prone to tearout during planing. Glues and finishes exceptionally well.
Notable Features
Faint mild odor when worked. Known for its excellent dimensional stability and superior finishing properties. Provides a classic aesthetic for Golden Age pianos.
Finish Recommendations
Historical French Polish (shellac) is recommended for restoration. Modern lacquer or oil-based finishes also enhance the deep figure.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the 1921 date, the use on a piano, and the specific dark marbling/grain swirl is characteristic of high-quality figured Walnut.
Notes
Piano veneer from 1921