Antique early could be 18th century 200 years old ? Oak wagon wheel hub !! This very heavy, hand carved hub, would have once had a large wooden wagon wheel or cart wheel attached. It still has traces of grease inside hub. Now would make a great candle holder or lamp etc ( see pictures illustration only) or great talking/ decoration item. This would have been for a 16 spoke wooden wheel.
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Some age related wear/ patina. Size 29 cm tall 20 cm round
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Wooden wagon wheels essentially for transportation from ancient times until the late 19th century, evolved from solid disc wheels to spoked wheels, significantly lighter and more efficient. While modern technology has advanced, the core construction of wooden wagon wheels, especially the spokes, felloes, and hub, remains fundamentally similar to how it was done centuries ago.
Here's a more detailed look at their history:
Early Solid Wheels:tion from ancient times until the late 19th century, evolved from solid disc wheels to spoked wheels, significantly lighter and more efficient. While modern technology has advanced, the core construction of wooden wagon wheels, especially the spokes, felloes, and hub, remains fundamentally similar to how it was done centuries ago.
Early Solid Wheels:
The earliest wheels were solid discs of wood, like the ones used in Sumerian chariots around 3500 BC.
These were heavy and prone to wobbling, making them less efficient for longer journeys or heavier loads.
Spoked Wheels:
Around 2000 BC, the spoked wheel, a lighter and more durable design, emerged.
These wheels featured a hub (nave), wooden spokes, and a rim made of bent wood, often in one or two pieces.
The spoked wheel significantly improved the speed and efficiency of transportation, allowing for lighter and faster vehicles.
Evolution and Continued Use:
Spoked wooden wagon wheelswere the standard for centuries, used in everything from carts and wagons to chariots and early automobiles.
Even after the invention of iron tires and later, pneumatic tires and wire wheels, wooden wagon wheels remained in use until the late 19th century.
The basic design and construction methods of wooden wagon wheels have remained relatively unchanged for centuries, with handcrafting skills still being vital.
Modern Use and Craftsmanship:
While modern tools and some modern methods are used in their construction, the fundamental principles of building a wooden wagon wheel haven't changed much.
The process still involvesskilled wheelwrights who shape the spokes, felloes, and hub, often using specialized tools and techniques passed down through generations.
Today, wooden wagon wheels are used for various purposes beyond transportation, including decorative elements in furniture, landscaping, and other crafts.
Materials and Construction:
Different types of wood are chosen for their specific properties: elm for the hub to prevent splitting, oak for strength and rigidity, and ash for flexibility and shock absorption.
The hub is often laminated for added strength, and spokes are carefully fitted into the hub and felloes (rim segments).
The felloes are traditionally bent to form the circular rim, and the entire wheel is assembled with precision to ensure durability and proper function