recently decommissioned 19th century (pre-chicago fire) salvaged chicago wood-framed house sill plate segment containing a hand-chiseled tenon. the old growth pine wood residential chicago balloon frame artifact has been thoroughly cleaned and refinished. the beam exhibits original wrought iron spikes. the historically-important beam fragment was removed from a much larger sill plate or sole plate, which is identified as a bottom horizontal member of a wall and/or building where both studs, joists, and girts are attached using spikes or wood pegs. in 19th century chicago construction residential sills are almost always comprised of large solid white or yellow pine timbers that were framed together at the corners. the beams were supported by brick walls, cedar wood posts or limestone foundations. these carefully documented and meticulously refinished sill plate segments once belonging to the bldg. 51 museum collection, are important chicago balloon frame artifacts that are offered exclusively by urban remains. each and every segment was used in chicago residences constructed between 1840-1885. well over a hundred chicago balloon frame segments are now available for sale. original circular saw markings evident. salvaged from a wood framed workers cottage (1868-69) located on west erie street.