September 25, 1922 



Hardwood Record — Veneer & Panel Section 



47 



Brown Birdseye Maple Is 

 Attractive 



By Walter K. Schmidt 



AMONG the new finishes in the furniture market is brown 

 birdseye maple, which, as its name imphes, is a stain of a 

 rich deep shade of brown, much like our present day 

 standard brown mahogany. The eye and figure of the wood are 

 enlivened by taking on the darker shade w^hich produces a w^on- 

 deriul effect only possible with a wood for which nature has done 

 so much. 



One wonders w^hy the coloring of birdseye maple has not been 

 attempted before. The process is none other than that used with 

 our regular cabinet w^oods, and w^ithout filling. The fact that it is 

 stained a rich brow^n seems to prove favorable. 



Several birdseye maple suites have been shown in the regular 

 natural finish and while there is always a certain demand for the 

 wood in this finish, w^e predict that after the trade has seen the 

 results of the brown stain finish, the w^ood will find its w^ay in many 

 composite pieces of furniture. Also we predict that it will be used 

 in a decorative way, such as on draw^er fronts, table tops, and for 

 general trim in place of mouldings on fancy furniture, stands, etc. 

 Thus it assists in adding to the duo-tone or two-tone effects. 



We imagine that the color decided upon by those introducing 

 bro^vn birdseye will meet with universal favor for these reasons: 

 first, from its pleasing effect and the softness of its tone, which 

 lends itself so beautifully to this particular wood and to any style 



of finish wax, varnish, shellac or w^ood lacquer; second, inasmuch 



as the wood may or may not be filled, either way results in sufficient 

 figures and attractiveness to supply that which the modern furni- 

 ture now demands some fancy figured w^ood to bring out life. 



One buyer recently remarked that some of the "brow^n w^oods," 

 as he called them, w^ere "dead" — meaning the wood had no figure. 

 This undoubtedly is the reason why designers are using fancy fig- 

 ured panels, tops and decorations. 



We have often wondered why it is that furniture makers do not 

 use more maple in the production of furniture, especially now that 

 the staining of wood is no longer a hardship or material expense. 

 Maple excells in strength and, as far as cabinet room work is con- 

 cerned, it offers no difficulties. It is a plentiful w^ood and un- 

 doubtly will come in for its proper recognition. 



This thought induces us to suggest that serious consideration 

 of the possibilities of maple, especially birdseye be undertaken for 

 the next market. 



The house furnisher, designer, or decorator has often realized 

 the desirability of lighter construction. Maple gives the strength. 

 It is really then a matter of fashion. When Mrs. Brown gets a new 

 hat, you soon find that Mrs. Jones has one, too. By the same logic, 

 if a few furniture makers use maple, and get out some real attrac- 

 tive stuff, the laity would soon learn to like it, with the result that 

 everybody would profit. 



There would be no need of saying "all maple" or "genuine 

 maple" ^—because there is plenty. The price is right and the 

 beautiful figured curl in birdseye gives it the life and pep that it 

 needs to make it very attractive. 



We must not forget to mention a line of novelty goods, which 

 were made with birdseye and exhibited at the furniture sales season. 

 These were finished in a lighter brown shade, called Persian maple 

 — a rather striking finish, but possibly a little too light for the 

 present day order of things. 



E(lito}''s Wotc: IIaudwood Rkcouh ('.s' in accnvil iritli Hic nhore X'ieios a.s 

 rxftrrsucd in the Furniture Manufacturer and Artinan and desires to oon- 

 (fraiulate th^c Birdseye. Veneer Companff of Escnnaha. Mich., the principal 

 faeinr in thifi netr develdpmi nt . on its initiatire and nierehnndizUKj acumen. 



Give Your Product 

 a Better Chance 



Tliese are days of stiff competi- 

 tion. Every cent's worth of extra 

 quality you can crowd into your 

 product without adding to the 

 cost gives it a better chance to 

 build up volume for vou. 



Use ]()WA walnut. It costs no 

 more than ordinary walnut. But 

 experts generall}' will tell }-on that 

 Iowa grown walnut is on the av- 

 erage better in ciuality, finer in 

 texture, stronger, and more beau- 

 tifully marked than the average 

 of other walnuts. 



IVrilc or wire us your nei-ds and let us shozv you 



Des Moines Sawmill Co 



1021 Murphy St., Des Moines, Iowa 



lOVA 



\v"alnut 

 Grotun 



onloiua 



Corn 

 Land 



