Pecan or Hickory (likely Pecan)
Carya illinoinensis • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Typically straight but can be wavy; the cabinet displays cathedral grain on the flat panels and a fine, slightly irregular texture consistent with flat-sawn ring-porous hardwoods.
Color Description
Medium reddish-brown heartwood with lighter, yellowish sapwood (largely obscured by a medium-brown semi-transparent stain). The piece displays a warm patina with intentional distressing (speckling) common in 20th-century furniture.
Hardness Rating
1,820 lbf (Very Hard)
Durability Rating
Non-durable to Slightly Durable; susceptible to decay and insect attack if not kept in a dry, indoor environment.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, flooring, tool handles, and decorative veneers.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and Mexico.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$4.00 - $7.00 per board foot for raw lumber; the value of the finished piece is primarily as vintage furniture rather than raw material.
Wood Age Estimate
Approximately 30-50 years old (Late 20th Century, circa 1970s-1980s based on hardware style and finish).
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; generally considered sustainable and widely available.
Workability
Difficult to work with hand tools due to extreme hardness; tends to dull blades. Glues, stains, and finishes well, as evidenced by the uniform semi-gloss finish on this piece.
Notable Features
Very high shock resistance; known for having a distinct 'closed' grain compared to Oak, making it ideal for the intricate carvings and moldings seen on this armoire.
Finish Recommendations
Currently finished with a pigment stain and lacquer topcoat. For restoration, use oil-based stains and polyurethane or lacquer to maintain the vintage appearance.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; the grain structure, pore distribution visible in the flat panels, and the specific 'Country French' or 'Provincial' furniture style are highly characteristic of Pecan/Hickory suites from this era.