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

Offered by: Clive Devenish Antiques

Description
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).

More Information

Origin:	England
Period:	Pre 18th Century
Materials:	Elm,Hand-Crafted
Condition:	Good. Wear consistent with age and use.
Styles / Movements:	Traditional, William & Mary
Incollect Reference #:	723478

Dimensions

W.	11 in;	H.	13.5 in;	D.	32 in;
W.	27.94 cm;	H.	34.29 cm;	D.	81.28 cm;

Message from Seller:

We are specialists in the field of antique mechanical coin banks. These rare and unique items were sold during the late 1800's and early 1900's to encourage and educate young children on the importance of saving money, with the majority of them having been made in America. We are leading experts in this field and one of the foremost dealers, having traded in mechanical banks since 1976.