Is your house post and beam construction?

Yep--it was built circa 1775, though I'm not sure if the ceiling beams may have been notched out at a later date.

How big are the notches?

About a foot each--I found a photo to post to show what I'm talking about, but can't figure out how to post it--I'll try again when I get home from work.

okay, trying to upload a photo:

{{!gwi}}

More than likely your 1775 house was built with salvaged timber from an even earlier building, OR it was reconfigured at a later date using timbers from the 1775 structure. Dendro-chronology can date when the wood was cut.

Casey

Thank you so much, Casey--I've reached out ot a dendrochronologist in order to find out more about having it tested.

Looks like some of those beams might have been repurposed as suggested by Casey. Interesting look, though.

Yeah-we walked through several antiques before buying this one and I didn't notice this in any of them. I tried to do a little research online, but didn't find anything, which is how I ventured into this forum.

I found a dendrochronologist who is intersted in taking a sample for her research--once I know more I will definitely update you guys since you were so helpful. Thanks again!

Where is your house located? We recently bought a 1780 colonial in NH.

Sounds nice, Rafor! We're somewhat close by--we bought on the south shore of Boston.