Automotive Steering Wheel Appraisal

Antique Wooden Ford Steering Wheel

This appears to be an antique or vintage automotive steering wheel, likely for an early Ford vehicle, given the context. The wheel features a pronounced wooden rim, which exhibits a light to medium brown natural wood tone with visible grain patterns, indicative of a fine-grained hardwood. The wood shows significant signs of wear, including darkening, scuffs, and patches where the original finish has likely worn away, contributing to a rich patina from prolonged use and age. The construction involves a four-spoke design, with the spokes and central hub made of a dark-colored metal, appearing to be cast iron or steel. The metal components show a matte, aged finish, consistent with oxidation and possibly remnants of original paint. There are visible fasteners, likely rivets or bolts, securing the wooden rim to the metal spokes, indicating a robust, multi-component construction. The central hub has a splined or keyed opening, designed to mount onto a steering column shaft. No obvious manufacturer's marks or specific identifying features are discernible from the image, but its rustic, yet functional design, suggests an early 20th-century production, possibly 1910s to 1930s. The overall condition reflects its age and prior use, with no immediate signs of major structural damage, though the wear is extensive. The craftsmanship speaks to a period when automotive components were built for durability rather than modern aesthetics.