Featured is this lignum vitae? Or not ? And what is it? x x x

I have an idea... do any of you have a degree in botany,if not these are just guesses.

 

That is exactly what it looks like, the carving around the centre is just the same

 

I don't know where you're living, but we have to be careful because as all species concerned by CITES laws, in many countries it cannot be sold without certificates if you're a professional(look for the english page of the link), just as a private person, and no export freely, a lot of problems comes from ebayers with customs, they sell things on another name and if you're at the other end with good customs services, it can make you a lot of pains…
There is a link to the different documents for wood called as lignum vitae, as you said not all similar woods are concerned, but most of exotic woods do be protected now.
Not very easy to explain in english but on many woods it's impossible to be certain of the species even if you have them in hands.

 

Working with a dendrochrology laboratory, they cannot be sure of the wood it is without analysis in most cases, I'm giving them access to the older pieces I have in hands which are dated and very often they say just "it's some resinous wood" for example…

 

My Lignum Vitae collection: Four cannon trucks (aka wheels) from a USN mid-19th C gun carriage. Dia: 14 in. Hole for axle: 6 in. Notice some red paint on one truck, probably from paint used on deck. Decks were painted red so blood shed in battle would be less shocking to crew. Item on left is a “deadeye” (holds standing rigging to hull) from HARTFORD of “Damn the Torpedoes” fame. The dark line-supporting surface, looks like a fist, is lignum vitae.

 

This is my tobacco canister made from Lignum vitae, pint glass for size. I tried to get closeups but they didn't come out that well

 

I posted a easy to follow Lignum vitae identifying page so no need for botany degree
https://www.wood-database.com/lignum-vitae/

 

@808 raver

I asked the validity of the information provided on the wood database website from a professional,Masters degree in botany and working on his PHD,answer below.

"It might guide someone in the right direction, but IDing something correctly without a key distinguishing it from other similar things means there will be lots of wrong identification unless something is very distinct from everything else."

 

@Hollyblue Wondering what we are all doing here on Antiquers, without high degree diplomas, trying to guess from what material, from what era, from what country, by which artist/maker, are all the pieces in pics submited by hopeful members...

Though it seems our success ratio isn't so bad

 

@kyratango

We are here to help people and try to educate them.My knowledge and experience is probably different than yours and many other members.I have made 10's of thousands of optical lenses,fine jewelry,cut and polished gemstones,made knives ,engraving metal and worked with other metal techniques.We can only offer opinions and sometimes we are right or wrong with the answers,but we all try.

 

Gorgeous, raver. And good to see you back, I've missed you.

 

Meant to say thank you.Mr. Raver too xxxx

 

Thank you, and I'm sorry to have been gone for so long but I've taken a step back from antiques while I get some real world things done around the house BTW I've missed you too

 

Ah yes, the real world, don't I know it. Can't we just abolish it?
Still, working on a house can be fun.

 

I had never even heard of it before I got the little box so at least I have learned something. Thank you for showing me, Davey...I'm going to look out for it at booties etc now!

 

I once carred a lorry alernator home that I found when walking the dogs MILES from home, just so I could weigh it in. One of the hardest £4 that I have ever earned. I may be little ( ish) but am good at carrying due to many years ( COUGH I am still young in years of course :O ) of *finding* and carrying kerap home

 

THAT weighs 42 pounds.................WOW !!!!!

 

Not sure I could handle three car batts at once though so yeah, probably best to not find some