Twisted "L Shape" stair layout

Interesting starting turned post, It appears to be early version of matching newel posts and balusters into "Family" groups. This is a group example of how a basic stair design can be upgraded to "Twisted" fittings to make a more elegant handrail system. The transition at the landing appears to flow nicely through the 90° turn. The rail cap and finial top appear to be perfectly matched with the rest of the parts.

In this picture you can see the joint that makes up the 2 piece transition from Rake to Rake Twist fitting and short section of handrail that leads up to the Rake to Level Twist fitting. This is a very classic layout and design and it appears to be well done with equal baluster spacing and smooth transitions

Looking up we can see that the handrail continues up to the 2nd to 3rd free standing staircase.

You can also get a good view of the Level to Rake Twist fitting as it transitions to make the 90° turn up the stairs.

Gas Lamp

Incredible gas lamp mounted a top a very unique box post. The detailing on the Newel post is just hard to believe, look close to see all the fine lines and edges as they miter together to form the masterpiece of craftsmanship.

I can only imagine the look of this on paper as it was designed, and the shop worker assign this piece. Where do you start?

The handrail profile provides its own challenges, had to just a joy to machine and sand in.....

Twisted Rail Cap

I came across this picture and something caught my eye, the normally turned sections are actually mitered octagons also and I believe this is the first example of this detail I have seen.. The beaded inset panels on the upper and also lower section of the newel posts just goes to show that there was no short cuts taken in designing and manufacturing this piece of art.

Twisted Square Block Newel Post

I have always been amazed by this style of handrail system, the amount of detail and design, not to mention the difficulty in manufacturing the parts just leaves me shaking me head. The starting newel posts have to designed by architect and not a woodworker because there is not one part of them that is easy to produce now and surely even harder back in the day.

The alternating baluster design which was fairly common in this design is still something to be appreciated and marveled over.

The second floor balcony landing was not spared of detail, the rectangle fluted box newel posts with notched corners is just a whole lot of added work, I hope someone appreciated it all. The handrail also features saddleback upeasings on the levels that are mitered right into the newel caps is another detail that would challenge even the most experienced woodworker.

Not sure what to call this

This incredible twisted starting fitting has to just stop you in your tracks as you enter this foyer. The massive handrail profile and the deep rich mahogany handrail seems to fit this house perfectly. 

Custom sized balusters work there way up the stairs as the top block follows the handrail and the size difference is turned into the baluster.

Great view looking down the ramp easing, you can appreciate the effort on the balusters and the custom sizing to maintain the design. Over the post rail caps look very appropriate on this handrail system. One interesting thing that caught my eye is the support brackets built into the underside of the 2nd to 3rd stair to help support the free standing side.

Killer Starting Post

Great design and craftsmanship went into this well detailed starting Newel Posts. Octagon top cap is a hard part to manufacture and  this one looks perfect. Lower on the newel posts are the small column detail on the corners are incredible detail.

In this view you can really see the size of the starting post and the top cap. I like the twisted turn into the Starting Post as it is set at an angle to the stairs.

Here is a good view of te two 180 transition pieces. Very clean and well flowing through the turn.

Nice Paneled Octagon Newel Post

Octagon starting post with a Twisted Rail Cap mounted on top. I like the detail on the inset panel, must have been very difficult to manufacture.

Nice close up view of the transition at the top of the stairs. Look close and you can see the joint lines

and can imagine the twist fitting layout. Nice clean lines of the transition compliment the whole stair design.