Antique wooden foundry cog wheel pattern, once used in the traditional sand casting process for producing steel gears. This example measures approximately 9 inches in diameter and 1.5 inches wide, with precisely cut teeth that ensured an accurate mould.

The process began with the pattern being pressed into sand to form a two-part mould. Molten steel was then poured into the cavity, taking on the exact form of the wooden cog. Once cooled, the casting would be removed and finished by machine. Wooden patterns like this were essential to heavy industry throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, before being largely replaced by metal and resin alternatives.

There is a number stamped around the edge SG5287A and 54T which I presume refers to the number of teeth, although I haven't counted them.

This piece most likely dates from the 1930s to 1950s, a period when wooden patternmaking remained a highly skilled craft at the heart of the foundry trade. It carries a strong sculptural presence, with its warm patina and crisp geometry evoking the ingenuity and craftsmanship of England’s industrial past. Today it serves as a decorative object in its own right, appealing to collectors of industrial heritage, interior designers, or anyone drawn to the aesthetics of early engineering.

This item will be carefully packed and posted via Royal Mail Tracked 48.

I aim to get your items to you as quickly as I can. I try to send everything the next working day. All items will be very carefully packaged and will be sent tracked for your peace of mind.

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