Featured Looking for some help with a bench please!

Hi, am a new member here.

I regularly re-do old furniture and in general work a lot with wood. I've recently picked up a bench which I was about to sell on eBay but I think it is very unique so I was wondering if anyone could help in shedding some light on it; date, origin + weather it may be of any significant value? Should I continue to flog it on eBay or take it to a dealer?

From what I have found out (which is quite little): the legs are turned bobbin legs, which were common arounds 1870 and it is apparently very uncommon to have turned bobbin legs on a bench.

It may also be worth noting that there really is no particularly skilled joinery in this piece but it seems very unique and pretty none the less. I'm fascinated by antique furniture but know nothing about what is valuable so greatly appreciate the help!

 

I know that I really like this !!!!!

 

I wonder if it has been cut down from a sideboard; the extra pieces from the legs then attached to the top.

 

Just curious but . . . what are the measurements (length, height, and depth) of the bench?

 

Thanks for the replies guys, yea I really like it too, kind of want an excuse to keep it!

Steve funny you say that. The handles were loose so I had to take them apart, clean up the joint and reglue. Interestingly, on the right side one of the pieces joining the handles to the top of the bench is different from the others but the wood appeared consistent with the rest of the piece. Perhaps this piece is a patchwork/recycled?

Picture of the one different piece between the handle and bench top:



The overal dimensions are: height:47cm (18.5"), Width: 106.5cm (42"), Depth: 25.5cm (10")
Height to bench top: 40.5cm (16")

I also for got to mention I am based in UK; I guess this may be important for the origin of the piece.

 

Dom26, thank you for the dimensions. I have a few thoughts about the size/dimensions, but I'll wait to see what others think.

I'm sure others will be responding and they will know exactly what its "intended use" is.

 

may we see pictures of the underside please..would like to see construction..thanks

is the wood yew?

 

Think this was made from an old parts. Turnings are probably from an old spool bed.

 

Here are some photos of the underside:




Im not sure on the species of wood; perhaps someone can identify from the underside? as it seems only to have a finish of clear wax there.
Yew seems possible as the wood seems too soft to be ash and the wood looks nothing like oak, sapele, or mahogany which is what I tend to come across most. I'm sure someone else will know more than me though.

I can't believe theres so much to this piece!

 

Welcome and that's pretty cool!

 

Someone had a GREAT IDEA!!!!!

 

Created, pieced together, spool bed....whatever!!!! I LOVE this piece!!!! You'd have a tough time prying it out of my "cold, dead hands"!!!!!!! Oh, and WELCOME, Dom!!!

 

Sorry for the double post.........it didn't show up for 33 minutes and I naturally thought I didn't hit "post"...........my BAD !!!

 

Apologies for the late reply.

Thanks so much for all the kind comments! It looks as though most people have decided the piece is an old spool bed turned bench then? I would never have thought it.

My next decision is weather to take it to an antiques dealer or to auction it off on eBay, I'm not sure what is best. Does anyone have any advice on this??

 

Hi, Dom -

Unless you're limiting eBay to local pickup only, I can imagine that shipping this would be quite a pain - and expensive.

 

Thanks SBSVC, yes very true I will have to check out courier costs first.

Thanks very much again everyone for all the info!

 

Hey!!!!! Bookah!!!!! I got MY want in FIRST!!!!!