Whilst preparing our reclaimed pine timber for a Cath Kidston cash desk, Rob found this stamp on the reverse of what we know as ‘Pine Roof Board’.
Bullcrest B.C. ASTEXO Canada
Until recently, pine roof board used to sit under and support the slate roofs of our early 20th century housing stock.
The stamp shows clearly that the board originates from British Columbia, Canada and, as a pine, could be one of a number of species that grow in the area. However the stamp also gives clues as to when and where the tree was harvested.
ASTEXO PINE
ASTEXO stands for Associated Timber Exporters of British Columbia which was formed in 1919 as a co-operative clearinghouse for 30 independent sawmills for the sale of lumber to Vancouver wholesalers and exporters. By 1928 this entity became the Seaboard Lumber Sales company and, at some point, the ASTEXO tradename would have been superceded.
Hillcrest almost definitely denotes the Hillcrest Lumber Company, formed in 1917. Its mill at that time was located in Sahtlam, Vancouver Island. Here’s a fascinating link with many photographs of this very mill: MOFM – Hillcrest Photos
So there’s an undeniable link between Moosejaw UK and the Canadian pine forests we’re named after!
I have just had up the floor boards in my 1933 built house here in Poole, Dorset, England. The pine boards are full of woodworm, There are no identifying marks on the boards. The floor joists are untouched by the woodworm and carry the stamp “P.S.P B.C Astexo, Canada”. Having recently been on holiday to Vancover & Calgary, I am now thinking “did I pass the hillside where this timber came from?” Did it travel on the Canadian National or Pacific Railroad”? The timer is good and will remain while I relay on top modern tong & grove chipboard from Wicks! Who knows that may have come from the pulp plant at Kamloops!
I am renovating a house in London which was built in 1935 and the stamp on the rafters is a round logo with Astexo on top and Canada below, separated with the outline sketch of a flag. So I deduce that this organisation was still operational in 1935. .
Some more reclaimed ASTEXO CANADA wood. This time from a 1938 built bungalow in Guildford. And again it is in beautiful condition.
We have recently come across in Cornwall, UK, some planks of tight-grained pine or deal stamped Astexo Neame Canada. Does anyone know where Neame timber comes from? An early 20C date would fit.
I was given some roof joists to burn and they have Astexo Canada written on them.
I live in Boroughbridge North Yorkshire.