Improvements in Substitutes for Wood and in the Manufacture of Imitation Wood Carvings therefrom.
Year: 1889

page_text: Date of Application, 5th Sept., 1889-Accepted. 7th Dec.. 1889
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Substitutes for Wood and in the Manufacture of
Imitation Wood Carvings therefrom.
I, HANS BERNHARD BENTZEN, of Moss, in the Kingdom of Norway, Manufacturer,
do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to
be performed to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement :-
This invention relates to the manufacture of imitation wood carving and to a
material especially adapted for the production of the same under pressure in metallic
moulds, the said material when properly treated yielding a product of considerable
strength and the imitation carvings possessing qualities equal, if not superior, to those
hitherto produced by hand.
The material is prepared in the following manner, videlicet:-
I take of
Linseed oil
--
Dissolved animal glue
Rye flour
Potato flour
Dextrine
-
1 part
24 parts
parts
12 parts and
100 parts.
These ingredients in about the proportions named are then boiled and thoroughly
mixed together. Into the mixture, while in a heated condition I then introduce a
quantity of sifted sawdust (walnut-wood sawdust by preference).
I then knead the mixture until it forms a dough or paste of a suitable consistence.
The dough, which is now ready for moulding, is poured into metallic moulds of
various forms to suit the different required subjects the interior of the moulds having
been previously carefully oiled as the material, after the filling up of the moulds and,
as long as it remains in the same, must be subjected to considerable pressure. The
material must remain in the mould for a time which depends on the size of the
subject. When the material has been taken out of the mould the ornaments formed
as described are laid on trays in order to be dried. The time required for drying
depends on the size of the subject. After being dried the back of the subject is
planed and the front or ornament is polished with sand-paper, or only with a brush,
if the mould is exact and the dough is fine.
If the ornament after being completely formed is to be subjected to further treat-
ment and which will depend upon whether it is to have a polished or a dull surface
it is treated, like wood ornaments carved by hand, with varnish, polish, etc.
I can obtain the required color by employing saw-dust of the wood to be
imitated or by employing other sawdust to which the required colour is imparted,
for example, if the dark colour of walnut-wood is required the sawdust is, before
being mixed with the material, slightly browned in a pan. If ebony colour is
required 1 place some black aniline dye in the mixture.
Ornaments made in this manner are of considerable strength and can be speedily
and economically produced.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I
claim is :-
1. A material consisting of a mixture of dextrine, glue, boiled linseed oil, rye-
flour, potato-flour and sawdust with or without the addition of colouring matter,
substantially as set forth.

page_text: 2. The production of imitation wood carving by pressing the mass or mixture,
mentioned in claim 1, in metallic moulds, substantially as described.
3. The use of imitation wood carvings manufactured from the described material
and in the manner substantially as set forth.
Dated the 5th day of September 1889.
G. F. REDFERN & Co.,
4, South Street, Finsbury, London, Agents for the Applicant.