ID this wood?

[Jay Aubuchon]

Any idea what this wood is? The finish has been removed.

437803

Wiping with mineral spirits brings out a reddish tone.

437804

This is part of a dresser. I believe the dresser to be at least 70 years old, maybe 100.

[Lee Schierer]

It looks like Black Walnut.

[Brian Tymchak]

It looks like Black Walnut.

Agreed. Likely air dried given the red tones are still there and the age you are providing.

[Dave Mount]

Definitely walnut.

[Steve Demuth]

Almost certainly naturally dried black walnut.

[Jay Aubuchon]

Thanks guys! I guess all the black walnut I’ve seen has been kiln dried and probably steamed too. The rich red tones threw me off the trail.

[Steve Demuth]

Thanks guys! I guess all the black walnut I’ve seen has been kiln dried and probably steamed too. The rich red tones threw me off the trail.

Steaming black walnut should be a crime. Actually, it is a crime against the aesthetics of wood, we just don't have a way of punishing the guilty.

Beyond steaming, air dried black walnut is much nicer than kiln dried, if you're interested in color and character. The best color and character though, comes from walnut that has stewed in the log on the ground long enough for the sapwood to decay. Quite often, incredible definition of the grain, with subtle reds, greens and purples will appear.