17th Century Elm Single Plank Provincial "Pig" Bench. British, Circa 1690

Details

Description

Authentic, diminutive, period, late 17th century elm wood "pig" bench; single plank atop; supported below by four irregularly shaped hard … Read more Authentic, diminutive, period, late 17th century elm wood "pig" bench; single plank atop; supported below by four irregularly shaped hard wood hand carved legs, 1 3/8" diameter tapering to 1" at the top, to fit into 1" hand shaped holes.

Purchased from an early 17th century Yorkshire estate in 1977 by me, this is an all original example of the "pig" bench; ubiquitous in rural England at the time. Setting this apart from other "pig" benches is that the flat top has a hand carved recessed bowl to one side (see images) to accommodate small items like needles, tacks, nails, etc;

A "pig" bench was used for a multiplicity of purposes in rural England, among them, small jobs, holding and supporting implements, sitting on to milk a cow, and small tasks by the hearth such as spinning yarn and placing sewing accessories.

All in all this is a fabulous decorating accessory and can be used as a folk art touch for a country home looking for authenticity in design. The condition, finish, recessed 'well", and 17th century genesis, distinguishes this particular example from other "pig" benches in the marketplace.

Dimensions:
height= 12 1/2" to one side 13 /1/2" on the other
width= 11"
length= 32"

Provenance: My personal collection; having purchased in 1977 from Yorkshire Estate (home built 1600).

Note: I am a second generation antiques dealer and have been in business for 50 years; I am also a member of several prestigious antique associations. Thus, I am well qualified to inspect and evaluate the products I offer for sale and I guarantee this to be authentic and as I have described. See less