Composition Mould
OriginEngland or America
MediumWood
DimensionsThe eggs are 1 1/2" (H) x 1 3/4" (W) x 1" (D) and 3 3/8" on center. The beads are 1/2" (H) x 3/16" (W). The barrels are 1" (L) x 1/2" (H) and they are set at 1 5/8" on center (bead and barrel). Overall base: 20 1/2" (L) x 7" (W) x 3 1/4" (T).
Credit LineGift of Mr. & Mrs. Elias Nassim
Object numberAF-X2023.3274
DescriptionIt is an egg and dart length with a bead and barrel chain/length. The image was formed into the matrix by a metal form and the flange line impressions exist along its top edge and both ends. It is cut on the diagonal at one end and the left corner is blocked with a piece of wood. The mold impression has 4 egg and dart impressions above a bead and barrel chain. There are 7 1/2 barrels and 7 beads. The base consists of several pieces of wood: bottom piece is single piece of pine with circular saw marks on bottom face, and has the words "FROM/VAN HUFFEL TUBE CORP/WARREN, OHIO" stenciled on it. The middle layer is pine tongue and groove flooring that is 4" (W) running 90 degrees across the width of the bottom piece. The top layer of base is made up of 4 pieces of mahogany of varying sizes.Label TextThis antique composition mould represents a trade that was practiced in Virginia during the Revolutionary period and into the 19th century. It depicts a common design found in upper class homes and public buildings. Composition was a substitute for more laboriously produced ornamental plaster and carved wood and stone. It is thought that the Adam brothers (Robert Adam 1728-1792) and John Adam (1721-1792)) played a major role in the initial manufacture of composition ornament on a grand scale. The Adam style demanded a large amount of delicate low-relief ornament. These moulds are for the production of such ornament in plaster, or in composition, usually a combination of whiting, glue, rosin and oil. The finished ornament was used on furniture and other objects as well as in the decoration of rooms.
