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 By 1928 this entity became the Seaboard Lumber Sales company and, at some point, the ASTEXO tradename would have been superceded.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!