Featured Thoughts on this turned maple pedestal, age, origin.

Found this large maple pedestal in a thrift store today. I’ve not seen one like it before, it’s 37” tall, bottom diameter is 18” and top is 16”. The feet are unusual being oblong and pegged into the side. The turning is strange with the short section of twist near the bottom. The top and bottom are single boards and the column is one piece.
Is this a New England piece or even American? Maybe for a civic use considering it’s size? Should I clean it with mineral spirits?

 

I have to step out for and hour, thanks for looking!

 

Wow. I would not dream of putting that outside as a bird feeder. Ignore the flying rats and put it inside "restored". That is one brilliant piece of woodwork. Seem to recall mineral spirits and wax mixed together do well but better ask the experts.

 

Love the turning. No clue on origin, but I would guess East Coast, Ct. or Ma.
Another turning or sculpted item was probably pegged to the top surface which broke at some point and the stub was sawed off.
Very nice item.
PS. Please pass the Planter's, I need a snack.

 

VERY COOL!!!!! Someone’s idea of a creative lamp or candle stand!!!! Although I personally am not fond of those three little “pegs” for feet....OTHERWISE LOVE IT!!!! I’d clean it with whatever will add some nice rich stain/color back to it!!!!! IF you’re bringing it IN the house, make sure those aren’t ACTIVE termite holes in the bottom piece first!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

I think a candle stand also. Not so sure there was anything on the top, it’s done the same as the bottom with the wedges and it’s recessed. I gave it a quick wipe down with mineral spirits, looking a bit better. Not to worry, I have no intention on leaving it outside or using it for a bird feeder. Robert, you probably wouldn’t like the peanuts, they’re unsalted for the birds.

 

Beautiful and unique. Would guess that it originally had a round piece of marble on the top. It could have been for the display of any kind of singular object from bronzes to candles to plants.

It would be easy to get a dealer in marble counter tops to cut another round piece for you. Might as well, since you'll be refurbishing the piece anyway
Would also guess that it was made in the NE U.S. ca. 1880s-90s, very accomplished.

 

Thanks, good idea on the marble insert!

 

it's wonderfully odd !!

 

Hi,
If you are not in a area that has marble for sale try places that sell trophies and such. They usually have pieces.
greg

 

Yes....me thinks plant stand, as it is so organic. Could have also been a home project by a very handy wood turner.

 

Placing a stone disc on top is probably not a good idea because it would add a disproportional weight which could make the unit top heavy. If you decide to add the marble, keep the thickness to approx. 1/4".

 

The work was done by an accomplished wood worker. The angular turning is extremely difficult.

 

It’s an extremely heavy and stable piece, don’t think a marble top will affect it much.

 

Le finis

 

Awesome that you found one so close to mine. I messaged the seller asking how they concluded it was French, we’ll see if they respond.

 

INH....strikes again !!! Good find !!

 

So after after dinner I did a search for French barley twist pedestal and lots came up with the turning/twist combo and turned disc top and bottom.
Many thanks INH!

 

Not sure how high it is ...could be an ashtray stand , they were really popular .... give it the smell test !!