"Inscribed Federal Era C. 1811 Adirondack Woven Splint Baby Cradle Rocker — Hand-Carved 'Heidi 11' Provenance"

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Description

An exceptional, authentic piece of early American folk art, this large-scale 19th-century rocking baby cradle surfaced from a notable estate … Read more An exceptional, authentic piece of early American folk art, this large-scale 19th-century rocking baby cradle surfaced from a notable estate in the Adirondack region of New York.

Documented Historical Inscription:
A careful cleaning of the original pine base framework has revealed a spectacular piece of human provenance. Hand-incised into the early wood planking is a primitive, period block-carved inscription reading "HEIDI 11." This incredible, personal family marker sits directly adjacent to early square nail holes showing classic black oxidation tracking. The "11" beautifully aligns with the early Federal-era construction of the piece, potentially denoting the creation year of 1811 or a generational family birth marker.

Masterfully constructed and displaying a spectacular, deeply oxidized multi-toned patina, this cradle showcases a fascinating multi-generational history of utilitarian service and care.

**Exceptional Early Craftsmanship:**
The foundation of the cradle features early 19th-century through-mortise and tenon joinery on the underside of its wide crescent wooden rockers.

The joints are locked securely into place with heavy hand-carved wooden trunnels (pegs). Deep within the framework joinery, early hand-cut square iron nails firmly secure the woven body to its bedrock rocking platform.

The beautifully integrated end handles showcase a master basket maker's touch, featuring hand-planed chamfered detailing on the vertical supports and steam-bent hardwood grips.

The handles boast a remarkably smooth, oil-rubbed dark honey surface from generations of honest human handling.

A Story of Structural Survival:
True to its centuries of history, this piece features two phenomenal, honest historic working repairs ("make-do" styling) that add immense primitive character:
1. The end rim features a period-correct wire and heavy hemp twine binding, wrapped tightly to stabilize an original split in the rim wood during active family use.
2. The underside framework features an early-to-mid 20th-century reinforcement where secondary wooden support blocks and heavily oxidized slotted flat-head screws were added to pinch and preserve the thin woven bottom floor.

These layers of rugged rural ingenuity make the massive 38-inch structure exceptionally solid, sturdy, and stable for modern display.

Dimensions:
- Length: 38”
- Width: 20”
- Height: 15” See less