Made as most workbenches of rock hard maple with years of burnishing materials yeilding a soft dark honey patina. Completely origional hardware enhances the oil and wax finish. Construction is mortise and tenon with flat panel rabbitting for strength as opposed to raised panels that float in their sockets.The hardware is case hardened steel with receivers and not simply lag bolted together as late works were done. It could be many things but most of all it is eye candy.