The rarest of finds, an impressive 125 sq ft handmade ceramic dated 1880
In the latter stages of restoration, a preview our rarest find to date; a triple border handmade French floor manufactured in 1880 by Carrelages Ceramiques Boch Freres Maubeuge.
6.8 inch, 3lb ceramic tiles, for a surface of +/- 125 sq ft.
Photographs present a cleaned section of the floor and scans from the book Carreaux Industriels 1840-1940 confirming its fine provenance.
The floor is still located in France and will be shipped shortly.
Note:-
Our antique tiles were originally handmade in single or two tile molds. Pre-computer fabrication these molds were machined by hand & the colour slips to create the tile were mixed by measure and eye. When firing the tiles, the kiln temperatures of c.1,100F degrees could also be variable. The result of this production process is that tiles made during this period of non-automation often display subtle size & thickness variations and there can be tonal variations in colors, all of which add to their charm and uniqueness. When photographing a floor, we always take a random section so that it is representative of the whole in tones and patina.
A rigorous quality control during the restoration process will include in the sale any tiles with groutable small chips and edge nibbles, expected of tiles more than 100 years old, but include for free any with larger defaults as rejects, which the tiler can then use for offcuts.
Can we help?
If you can provide a technical drawing, or a simple sketch with key dimensions, we are happy to assist in evaluating and recommending the best layout of the floor in your area of choice. Click here for more details