Stock ref: DS1041

Circa 1970’s.

Panelled rectangular workbox, traditionally made as a sewing,needlework or knitting  workbox. Features a hand adzed hinged lid, with storage area inside, over a single  drawer which is partitioned for storage of small items such as cotton reels etc. Stands on carved octagonal legs with signature mouse carving in high relief. 

Superb deep waxed condition with no damage. The colour and graining commensurate with its age. Sourced from a private collection  that was acquired over many years.

Size: 51(w) x 33(d) x 61(h) cm
        1’ 8”(w) x 1’1”(d) x 2’(h) ins

A similar age and quality piece sold for £1694 (incl comm) at Tennants on 23/7/11, making this great value.

SOLD

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Stock ref: DS1010

1967

A Superb Mouseman Sideboard handcrafted from the finest seasoned English oak using traditional tools and techniques, including adzing in line with early production to the top frame and drawer fronts, to achieve the distinctive rippled finish to the surface
of the wood, and pegged and panelled construction in R. Thompson’s distinctive Arts and Crafts style. To reduce costs modern sideboards are only adzed to the top.

Featuring a rectangular adzed top with canted corners and a low back rail, over a pair of six panelled storage cupboards fitted with wrought iron latches and hinges, with a single internal shelf in each. These are divided by a central bank of three graduated
adzed drawers fitted with turned handles, the top one of which is divided and baize lined for cutlery. The sides and rear are as wonderfully panelled as the front. Signature mouse in high relief on the front leg, all the legs featuring carved and octagonally
faceted feet.

In stunning original condition, cherished and carefully used and polished  all its life, the very best example i have owned in many years of collecting.  It has been in my own home collection for some time and now has the the most gloriously
rich graining and deep golden patina. It is offered with a copy of the original sales invoice from R. Thompson’s confirming it was bought new on 21/9/67 by Mr E Judkins, together with a 6’ table that i have seen and is in similarly stunning
condition, but which i sadly don’t own.

Size: 183(l) x 50(w) x 81(h) cm.

You may find cheaper modern examples being offered for sale, but  I doubt the quality  of original finish and presentation  will be as good as on this example. 

Sold 

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Stock ref: DS1008

Circa 1970’s

Rectangular form with two flat shelves, each carved from a single piece of Oak. Four square uprights with pointed finials, on the top of one sits a lovely trademark signature carved mouse in highly visible relief. Sold by Thompson’s as a dinner wagon/trolley, but they are so versatile and have many other storage and display uses around the home.

Dating to the 1970’s it has been sympathetically cleaned and re-waxed. Golden brown in colour with beautiful graining patterns it has been treated to a new set of Shepard castors purchased from R. Thompson’s and is now ready for another 40 years of use.

Size: 47(w) x 33(d) x 2(h) cm

SOLD

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Stock ref: DS1016

Circa early 1960’s

A set of 4 chairs each having a rectangular open back with pierced hand carved interwoven lattice panel, with what looks to be the original leather cow hide seats. The legs are octagonal turned and carved with square block feet, joined by stretchers and an inset rush rail. Each chair bears a signature mouse carved in high relief on one of the legs.

The size and positioning of the rush rail confirms the manufacturer of these chairs pre 1970. ( The rush rail was set back in the late 50’s to aid more comfortable feet placement when in use, it was the same height as the two side stretchers until 1970, after which it has always been several millimetres lower).
Sourced from a farming family in the Harrogate area.

Excellent condition, frames golden coloured, all with sound joints. The leather is in remarkably good condition with only minor creasing, and conditioning twice a year will ensure the leather remains supple and usable for many years to come.

Size: 85(h) cm.

SOLD

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Stock ref: DS1002

Circa mid 30’s / late 40’s

On four carved and adzed octagonal legs joined by stretchers, with a signature carved mouse to one of the legs and typical exposed dowel jointing. Presented in superbly polished condition with a wonderfully aged chestnut brown patina, the result of many years of maturation and waxing.

Importantly it has rarely been sat on so it retains its original hand cut and nailed woven lattice leather seat top, which is untorn and has only minimal marking and stretching. So often this has been replaced, reducing value considerably to collectors. The use of a good leather conditioner twice a year will keep the leather supple, ensuring a long life.

Size: 34.5(w) x 27(d) x 37(h) cm

SOLD

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Stock ref: DS1003

Circa 1960‘s/70’s

Rare and unusual Arts and Crafts inspired stool which R.Thompson’s have confirmed to me was only sold in the 60’s and early 70’s. It features three octagonal carved legs, a lightly adzed oval seat of larger diameter than is found on
standard cow/calf stools, and a shaped, lightly adzed and pierced seat back with a carved mouse running up the side. The seat and back are each carved from a single piece of 1 1/4 “ thick Oak. The back is strongly secured with exposed mortice &
tennon joints and through dowels. The leg joints are also visible in the seat top and are strong and secure with only minimal movement, as is usual with this leg fixing. Wax polished with a deep golden colour and highlighted graining that is now maturing
wonderfully.

Size: 40(w) x 33(d) x 84(h) cm

SOLD

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Stock ref: DS1011

Circa 1970

Rare and extremely versatile adzed oak desk or small sideboard of canted rectangular form with a hinged folding top, supported on push/pull extending lopers, each carved with large signature mice in high relief. Two drawers with adzed surfaces and wrought
iron tear drop handles, below which are two panelled cupboard doors enclosing shelving. Traditional wrought iron latches and hinges. The unit sits on turned and carved facetted feet. In stunning condition with lovely colour and patina, very minor marking
to the folding top. Carefully used and regularly waxed all its life. This item can still be bought new from R.Thompson’s, albeit with modern metal fittings, retailing at £4760. Always a sound investment, but it will take many years for the
wood to develop the rich patina of this example.

 

SOLD

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Stock ref: DS1001

Circa 1940’s/50’s

Kidney shaped and craftsman carved from a single piece of quarter sawn English Oak which enhances the grain pattern, with two carved mice forming the handles. Adzed surfaces and rim which reflect the light and colour beautifully. Very dirty and dull on
acquisition, a gentle cleaning and re-waxing has revealed a stunning rich chestnut colour and graining across the base of the tray. Some extremely light scratch marking from normal usage, almost invisible and only serves to confirm the genuine antiquity
and loving usage of this tray by its original Thirsk owners. The colour and patina makes this a superb addition to any serious Mouseman collection.

Size: 47(w) x 33(d) x 2(h) cm

SOLD

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