Antique Hanging Plate Rack

Details

Description

This is an antique wooden plate rack, likely handcrafted, designed to be mounted on a wall for display or storage.
… Read more This is an antique wooden plate rack, likely handcrafted, designed to be mounted on a wall for display or storage.
Design and Functionality
• Purpose: This rack is meant to hold plates vertically between two horizontal wooden rails. The gap between the rails helps secure the plates in place while displaying them attractively.
• Mounting: The ends of the rack feature flat, shaped side pieces with pre-drilled holes, allowing the piece to be screwed directly into a wall.
• Rails: Two long horizontal rails run parallel between the end supports, forming the base and back stop for the plates. The plates would lean slightly against the upper rail.

Material
• Wood: It appears to be made of solid hardwood, likely oak or mahogany, given the rich tone and visible grain. The finish is a warm medium-brown, possibly with shellac or varnish.

Craftsmanship Details
• Joinery: The rails are joined into the side panels using a combination of mortise-and-tenon and nails or screws (as visible from some fastener holes).
• Styling: The shaped side brackets have a simple scalloped or carved detail, which adds a touch of elegance without overpowering the functional design.
• Wear: Some surface wear and darkened screw holes indicate age and previous use, consistent with early 20th-century craftsmanship.

Possible Use Case

This would have originally been used in a kitchen or dining area to store and display decorative plates, particularly those with hand-painted or collectible designs. Today, it could be repurposed as a charming accent in a vintage-inspired or coastal-themed interior See less