I recently managed to lay my hands on some American Chestnut. This came from a barn built in the 1830s. These are the first few pens I have turned from it
Click on any of the pictures for a larger view.
If you have never worked with American Chestnut it turns well and has a great finish.
I have some American Chestnut, but it is quite a bit more blond than that. I know it is American Chestnut, cause I picked up chestnuts from underneath it and helped cut it down after it died of the chestnut blight.
Beautiful pens.......I agree with Christian,my Am. Chestnut is much lighter also must be the age. I wish mine was as dark as yours.....looks much better.
Some the Chestnut I have is a little lighter. I have found that chestnut has a tendency to darken over time especially the stuff that comes out of older barns as it has never been finished with any kind of sealer. I also use BLO when sanding and that darkens it a little more. I think the older recovered wood has much more character along with all the history that goes along with it.