Fact 1
The unified Latin name of Mahogany is Swietenia. It got it from the famous Austrian physician and educator Gerard van Swieten. Van Sviten became a prototype for Bram Stoker when portraying his hero Van Helsing in the famous novel "Dracula". The vampire fighter even got his film of the same name starring with Hugh Jackman.
Fact 2
Explorers from Spain, one of the strongest marine empire of 15th -18th century, were the first Europeans who became “acquainted” with the American Mahogany on the islands of the Caribbean at the beginning of the 16th century. They were fascinated by the natural colour and very unique technical properties of the unknown exotic timber. Wood is resistant to erosion and is perfect for crafting. Trees are large enough - up to 50 m tall and 2 m wide. Long, wide and thick boards can be produced from them. Many, if not most, of Spanish “Unbeatable” Armada ships, were built of Mahogany, very durable and practically not rotting.
Fact 3
Mahogany changes its colour a few times after being cut. The freshly cut timber looks yellowish red, it turns saturated red after a couple of days and it becomes silky silver-grey after a few months of exposure to rain and sun.
Fact 4
Exclusive Mahogany wood from Ophir and Lebanon was used for decoration inside palaces and temples in Jerusalem in the time of Solomon’s kingdom.
Fact 5
The legendary Beatles sound was created by the drums from Ludwig percussion Company. The manufacturer is famous for choosing the best materials for its products. The company always prefers Mahogany for their instrument cases to other wood species to create the perfect sound.
Fact 6
There is still a shadow market for smugglers exporting redwood to China from India. As it has been the most precious timber in China for centuries. Such high demand creates an opportunity for fake suppliers. The true Mahogany could be recognized by natural full depth red colour and the parallel grain, which looks like a riff cut.
Fact 7
Mahogany is a national symbolic wood of the Dominican Republic.
Fact 8
Even though Mahogany is the name of two particular wood species, it is known as a synonym for the precious redwood nowadays. The most expensive and exclusive pieces of furniture and interior design are made from this “redwood” since ancient times. Kings and wealthy merchants filled their palaces and mansions with luxury handmade wooden pieces. Did you know that there is not a particular tree species like so-called “redwood”? It's a group of timbers with natural warm saturated colour and very rare technical characteristics: Red sandalwood, Malay padauk, species of the genus Caesalpinia, the two species of Mahogany (West Indian and American), and some types of Walnuts as well. Mahogany, as the most precious and unique species, gave the second name to the whole group.