Old Carved Wood Hog Rail

This is an old carved wood hog or boar rail with a spindle inserted on the top that I purchased at the TS today. I'm not sure what it is but I think the hog or boar rail base may be part of a rail. The wood spindle I don't think is original to it since it fits rather loose in the hole and stands too tall out of it. The rail measures about 14" in length and the both of them have a combined weight of about 4 pounds 12 ounces.

I think the spindle part looks more of like what you would tie ropes on for a sailing ship. The hole in the hog rail top has a lot of smaller holes in the bottom which looks like it may have been attached to something at one time. The holes look like some of them have mud or dirt in them. Does anyone know what these two objects are and how old they might be or anything else about them? Thanks in advance for all replies.

 

I think what you're calling the 'spindle' would be a cleat on a boat/ship maybe, but you're right...it doesn't seem to fit with the rest of the item, AND there's no threading on the piece to go with either piece!! My first thought WAS going to be 'nutcracker', but that doesn't work either.....so at this point, am going to let others chime in and give it a go!!!

 

A grinder of some sort?

 

So those small holes run from the bottom of the well to the bottom of the piece? Could it be some sort of strainer press...? Like for compressing something into cakes? Tobacco is running through my mind.... firm enough that once compressed it could be knocked out; without needing to be pulled out?
Certainly an interesting piece!

Leslie

 

Thanks for the replies Aquitaine and moreotherstuff. Yes, spindle would be cleat for a sailing ship. I think the cleat may be something inbetween a a sailing ship belaying pin and cleat or other part of a sailing ship rigging or something else but have not been able to locate another one like it.

I don't think the cleat is part of the hog head rail or base. I guess it may be possible the rail was part of a foot or stand or base to something like a stand or table or the top of a staircase rail end, don't know. Thanks again!

 

Northern Lights Lodge, yes, the holes go from the bottom of the well to the bottom of the piece. I thought perhaps it was nail or small dowel rod holes to hold the original wood shaft in it but I'm not sure since the original piece is not with it. The cleat is not original to the piece I think since the shaft is longer and diameter is noticably shorter and whatever was in the hole looks like it had a snug fit.

 

Although, I guess it would be possible the hog head base is part of a press and the cleat was married to it at a later date or added for decoration. If you notice on the top view of the base there is outer circle wear to the top rim and the cleat rim would not be able to go down that far into the base.

 

Ok, I think I found a similar one which is listed as a Fruit Press. https://www.icollector.com/Primitive-Hand-Made-Ox-Figure-Fruit-Press_i32469840

 

https://www.etsy.com/ie/listing/162655725/large-wooden-cheese-press-vise-screw-12

And the image that goes with it???

 

Bingo! I'd say that is correct, a food press of some sort.

 

We’ve had one here before.
https://www.antiquers.com/threads/carved-wooden-cheese-press.16182/page-2#post-225038

https://www.google.com/search?site=&source=hp&ei=1FfZWMatK4vQjwSs0qqYBA&q=india+carved+wooden+juicer

 

And the description that went with it, @Thrifster!!
"Offered in this lot we have a primitive hand made ox figure fruit press. The press is made of a single piece of wood and is carved in the shape of an ox. The fruit press originates from near Pray Montana. It shows a wood hand press with a metal grated bottom. The piece is in good condition overall with some wear and one of the tip of the horns damaged. The press measures 11 1/2" long by 5 1/2" wide and 9" tall." Sold for $50.

 

Aquitaine, it's similar but I think not as nice as the one I have. Don't know why you added the Sold for price? I also think mine originated from India from the motif design, and other examples I've seen, etc..

 

HAHA! The price was there with it, that's all!! And I DO like yours better!!