Early 19Th C Folk Art Oak Casket

A wonderful Folk Art or Estate produced Casket, probably made in the 19th Century from parts of a previous item where there is a date of 1512 in evidence. This was common practice with most Folk Art items from this time period. It has been put together with skill and vision using what was available and designed to maximise its appearance. The rough hewn wood and patina demonstrate the age of the original pieces and that cannot be faked.

It is likely that all the component parts and fixings for this piece came from a much earlier item that was available for use, probably because it had been damaged or become unusable - or sadly because it was no longer considered fashionable - sadly this was the case even 200 or so years ago!

Three of the sides (one bearing the date 1512), plus the top with its original hinges and clasp from this evidently earlier piece have been utilised; they have all been fixed together using the hand forged nails from much earlier pieces (although hand forged nails and screws were also being used at the beginning of the 19th Century prior to mechanisation entering the cabinet making and wood working industry. The back panel and the fixed part of the top panel have been fixed using old screws from the time when the piece was initially given its second incarnation but it is evident that some work has been carried out using replacement parts during the 20th Century as the bottom panel is plywood and steel pins have been used here.