A striking and highly sculptural early wooden plough stock, hand carved from a single piece of elm, displaying a powerful organic form and exceptional aged surface. The sweeping asymmetric wing, faceted hand-tool shaping and deep patina give the piece a strong visual presence-functionally driven yet almost abstract in appearance. It stands equally well as a piece of vernacular sculpture or primitive design object. This is not a later Victorian factory-made plough component, but a substantially earlier example of rural craftsmanship, hand-formed from a naturally curved compass timber using adze and axe. The construction and material are consistent with pre-industrial agricultural practice. The form represents a transitional development between the simple ard (scratch plough) and later swing-plough types. Of particular interest is the pronounced wing, which retains a rebate and fixing holes indicating it was originally fitted with an extended iron cutting edge. This suggests a more advanced soil-working function than basic early plough forms. The current iron tip/share is an old working-life replacement, indicating the piece remained in use and was repaired over time. The timber has been identified as elm, historically favoured for plough stocks due to its resistance to splitting and suitability for complex carved forms. Dating: Probably 17th to 18th century in manufacture, with continued use and repair into the 19th century. Condition: Honest age and agricultural wear throughout. Surface abrasion, shrinkage cracking and historic repairs consistent with long-term use. It has been oiled at some point. 25 x 14 x 7 inches. A rare survival of early agricultural craftsmanship with strong sculptural qualities-ideal for collectors of vernacular antiques, treen, primitive artefacts or interior display.
