Antique, 19th century version of a 17th century oak boarded stool

An antique slab ended stool (sometimes called a boarded stool) made in the 19th century. This is a Victorian version of a 17th century slab ended stool, though I suspect that some of the timbers used are older than the 19th century. It is made from oak

In detail we have the following:

• a two part boarded top. This is attached via 4 hand made nails. These are much larger than those found on 17th century items, and though clearly hand made are 19th century in date

• a deep rail on either side each consisting of a nicely carved frieze. The frieze runs below the edges of the top, and is slotted through the slab ends. The rails terminate in chip carving

• each of the slab ends is constructed from two pieces of timber. Some of this timber is older than other pieces, suggesting that the Victorian craftsman who made this item may have used timber from a much older piece of furniture

• one of edges of one of the slab ends is incorrect. There is no evidence of any damage to this piece of timber. The conclusion is that a mistake was made when this part of one of the slab ends was being carved, or that a piece of timber was used that was not wide enough to accommodate the profile required. Please see photograph 5 and look at the left hand side of it and contrast this slab end with that shown in photograph 6. The difference in the two ends has resulted in one end being 29cms wide whilst the incorrect end is only 25cms wide

Summary

An unusual item. This piece of furniture sits well in a room and certainly has the look of a 17th century boarded stool. It has a waxed dark oak patina and is solidly constructed 

For collection only from Buntingford SG9 (East Herts) 

Please see my other items which are predominantly 18th and 19th century in date