Author Topic: Wooden Artifact  (Read 4150 times)

jynx72

  • New Member
  • *
  • Posts: 4
  • Karma: +0/-0
    • View Profile
Wooden Artifact
« on: June 17, 2012, 03:47:20 pm »
Can anyone tell me what this thing is??  It appears to be made of wood and is badly chipped/scratched.  It's hollowed out to about half the length of the upper part.  There is writing glued to the bottom that says: “Given to me by Mrs. Mark Ruth, she said she knew it to be at least 200 years old then (1949), as she was given it (as?) a young girl by an old lady and the old lady said it was her mothers.  Mrs. Ruth was around 80 when she gave it to me.  It is to (___) (..lsie) at her request.”
I found this in an old house I once lived in, tucked away in an upper cabinet, and have always been curious as to what it is.  I took it to a local appraisal event once and the men there had no idea what it was.  I'm hoping someone here has more knowledge.
« Last Edit: June 17, 2012, 03:49:19 pm by jynx72 »

fancypants

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1959
  • Karma: +22/-0
    • View Profile
Re: Wooden Artifact
« Reply #1 on: June 17, 2012, 05:35:03 pm »
Cool little item , jynx72 .

Could you possibly post another pic , from a 'top' view , with maybe a ruler (for size ref) ?

My first guess is that of a wooden mortar & pestle , for grains .
" Methinks me the 'mental' in sentimental .... "

greenacres

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 4147
  • Karma: +22/-0
  • ❤❤❤
    • View Profile
Re: Wooden Artifact
« Reply #2 on: June 17, 2012, 07:06:39 pm »
I thought you could put a wig on it or a hat, lol
" Energy and Persistence conquer all things."

mart

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 19849
  • Karma: +122/-1
    • View Profile
Re: Wooden Artifact
« Reply #3 on: June 17, 2012, 08:38:33 pm »
Appears to be a hat stand for a top hat ???  You can not depend on what one says as far as age !! Memories are very rarely accurate !!
« Last Edit: June 17, 2012, 08:41:45 pm by mart »

jynx72

  • New Member
  • *
  • Posts: 4
  • Karma: +0/-0
    • View Profile
Re: Wooden Artifact
« Reply #4 on: June 18, 2012, 07:43:27 am »
It's @ 4 1/2" high and the base is less than 3" in diameter.

mart

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 19849
  • Karma: +122/-1
    • View Profile
Re: Wooden Artifact
« Reply #5 on: June 18, 2012, 04:59:20 pm »
Oh !!  Well trash that first idea !!

rsorgel

  • New Member
  • *
  • Posts: 43
  • Karma: +1/-0
    • View Profile
Re: Wooden Artifact
« Reply #6 on: June 18, 2012, 05:30:21 pm »
when you look down into the hole, does it appear to have been worn at all, as if it were a mortar from a pestle and mortar? or does it seem even, clean, and not worn? that information should help as well.

cogar

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3590
  • Karma: +41/-0
    • View Profile
Re: Wooden Artifact
« Reply #7 on: June 19, 2012, 05:41:25 am »
Quote
she knew it to be at least 200 years old

Like a Wagontrain Master of 200+- years ago would always tell the immigrants to "Don't even think about taking anything with you that you can make for yourself after you get there".

@ 4 1/2" high and the base is less than 3" in diameter ....... maybe someone wanted a goblet for drinking out of.

jynx72

  • New Member
  • *
  • Posts: 4
  • Karma: +0/-0
    • View Profile
Re: Wooden Artifact
« Reply #8 on: June 19, 2012, 07:31:27 pm »
The inside is uneven. I guess it could be a mortar, but the top opening is only about 1 1/4".  I was thinking possibly a candle holder of some sort?

cogar

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3590
  • Karma: +41/-0
    • View Profile
Re: Wooden Artifact
« Reply #9 on: June 20, 2012, 05:28:11 am »
It would make for a very unstable mortar.

Is there sign of any wear or residue on the inside?

frogpatch

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1620
  • Karma: +23/-0
    • View Profile
    • Gary Cunnane
Re: Wooden Artifact
« Reply #10 on: June 20, 2012, 03:01:04 pm »
In the 70s they used to make a lot of decorative accessories that were supposed to be reminiscent of Spanish castles like sconces of oak with chains with crude candle holders.  I have a feeling it is something along that line to set on a mantle or distressed coffee table. Sorry I do not want to be a bubble buster but that is what it looks like to me.

jynx72

  • New Member
  • *
  • Posts: 4
  • Karma: +0/-0
    • View Profile
Re: Wooden Artifact
« Reply #11 on: July 02, 2012, 09:36:12 am »
Well, since apparently no one can figure out what this is, I'm just gonna assume it's the Holy Grail and leave it at that!   ;D
Thanks everybody for your help! 

mart

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 19849
  • Karma: +122/-1
    • View Profile
Re: Wooden Artifact
« Reply #12 on: July 02, 2012, 09:57:37 am »
Sorry but sometimes one item comes along that we can`t figure out !!  Try a museum !! If that old the curator should be able to tell you !!

KC

  • Moderator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 11660
  • Karma: +93/-0
  • Forever Blessed!
    • View Profile
Re: Wooden Artifact
« Reply #13 on: July 02, 2012, 12:08:32 pm »
Don't be so easy to give up....keep checking back every few days.  If it has been around a LONG time...it may take longer than 10 minutes to figure it out!!  PATIENCE is virtue!

I am thinking towards sewing.....pin holder....not uncommon to have wooden ones back then.....
IN addition....way back when....spices were highly prized and you would find them in interesting containers n corked.......
« Last Edit: July 02, 2012, 12:18:34 pm by KC »
I'm from the South - but please don't mistake my Southern Manners/Accent/Charm as a weakness!

Texasbadger

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 201
  • Karma: +0/-0
    • View Profile
Re: Wooden Artifact
« Reply #14 on: July 02, 2012, 02:43:17 pm »
Could it be the top or bottom of a pillar or headboard type fixture or furniture looks to be made decorative and functional,,,perhaps to raise something to a higher level