All Replies on CHestnut...39" wide!

My first thought is ebay auction.

If they are clear, have good figure and minimal checking, I believe these would be vanishingly rare boards.

Pictures! Please give us pictures!

Someone with more experience will hopefully jump in here. But there are firms (and I’m sure many are in Virginia), that will “host” the ebay auction – for a fee. But maybe someone can suggest an even better way to maximize your friend’s sale – and see that these special boards go to a deserving artist.

-- Jim Maher, Illinois

100 per lineal foot

-- "Good artists borrow, great artists steal”…..Picasso

If its American Chestnut, you are sitting on gold especially if its in good shape as the tree grew to magnificent heights, and widths. It once covered most of the eastern forests of the USA but a blight/fungus almost rendered it extinct. Today they have made a fungus resistant tree and great efforts are being made to restore the tree to its former glory……….having said that, there are few left standing that one can cut, far fewer that would produce a clear board, 36” wide x 16’ long.

I wouldnt surprise me if they got more then 100/lineal foot, a lot more

http://theroanokestar.com/?p=2790

-- "Good artists borrow, great artists steal”…..Picasso

what part of virginia are they located in? She could have someone list it on craigslist, maybe contact a few hardwood dealers to see if they are interested.

Call Rick Hearne at Hearne Hardwoods in Oxford, PA. If it’s for real he will make an offer.

-- Clint Searl.............We deserve what we tolerate

if you had some photos, I would be more then happy to consider making an offer.

Should you choose to use e-bay, I would love to know when it hits the auction block

-- "Good artists borrow, great artists steal”…..Picasso

I also would like to know what part of VA. I’d like to see it and maybe make an offer myself. And if SHe needs/wants i could help her list it and take pics and put them online if close enough.

-- In the end, when your life flashes before your eyes, will you like what you see?

authenticate the fact thats its American Chestnut……betting the value jumps

-- "Good artists borrow, great artists steal”…..Picasso

I would love to see them as well : )

-- When did quiet and quite become the same word ? I'm guessing about the same time as your and you're did.

A photo would not help. This wood is old rough and dirty so any photo of an old pile of boards would look like this does. Thanks for the tip to contact Hearne Hardwoods. I will have her call him. This wood is in Marion VA … (SE corner of the state.)

-- In God We Trust

I am not far from there… HOW much does she want? I can be there Monday! ;)

There’s also Jeffries Wood Works Inc, in Knoxville, TN. They would be closer than PA.

Let us know what happens to that wood!

-- Beer, Beer, Thank God for Beer. It's my way of keeping my mind fresh and clear...

Having just bought a load of chestnut not too long ago, I shudder at the price of these boards. I’ve never once seen a board this wide. Whoever ends up with it is one lucky guy. I’d start by posting pictures and a price right here on LJ. I think you’re almost guaranteed a fair price.

-- My dad and I built a 65 chev pick up.I killed trannys in that thing for some reason-Hog

This is just my opinion, but I think your friend would be better served without the middleman of hardwood retailer. I am especially concerned about Hearne Hardwoods, since there have been reports of very poor business practices by them.

If your friend is willing to entertain visits from potential buyers, a couple of people here have already expressed an interest.

Otherwise, I urge you to do a little cleanup of the boards and get some photos. This is not an old pile of boards, just two HUGE and very special ones. My guess is that they are worth (at least) several thousand dollars. That’s worth a gentle brushing and some digital pics.

And we’d ALL love to at least SEE them.

-- Jim Maher, Illinois

^I agree with Jim but I was thinking more like many thousands of dollars;)
I paid $8/bf for 500 feet and I was far from the highest bidder. He just liked my smile:)

-- My dad and I built a 65 chev pick up.I killed trannys in that thing for some reason-Hog

I can’t even image what a 39” x 16’ piece of chestnut would be worth. You won’t find them anywhere else. By my calculations that’s 156 bf.

I agree with Jim as well.

AND

we’d ALL love to at least SEE them.

-- There is nothing like the sound of a well tuned hand plane. - http://timetestedtools.wordpress.com (timetestedtools at hotmail dot c0m)

^it’s the largest piece I’ve ever even HEARD of. That’s like a waterfall-bubinga-level find.

-- My dad and I built a 65 chev pick up.I killed trannys in that thing for some reason-Hog

definately interested, email me Charles@charlesneilwoodworking.com , I live in Va. will want pictures and location

Oh Boy , Now you’ve got the Master , Charles Neil interested !!
He will be able to do justice to these rare boards : )

-- When did quiet and quite become the same word ? I'm guessing about the same time as your and you're did.