17th Century Dough Bin

A wonderful oak dough bin from the late 17th century. The sign writing is much later but certainly of some age. This piece has been stored in a very damp place for a very long time. The deep nut brown patina associated with early oak is non existent. It has had something very heavy and wet for a long time on the central area of the top and there is now a most definite dip. It had fair amount of deceased wood worm throughout, although thoroughly treated by us as a precaution. The worst of the woodworm was to the rear of the tips of the front legs and this was addressed by a restorer who has succeeded in retaining their original height. A later rear hinge rail and left and right side rail tops are Victorian replacements. For all of it's torrid life, it just looks amazing, what a survivor and conversation piece.