https://earlyrareantique.com Fri, 03 Jul 2026 18:40:46 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=4.1.1 https://earlyrareantique.com/early-rare-desirable-robert-mouseman-thompson-yorkshire-oak-bookends-c-1940s/ https://earlyrareantique.com/early-rare-desirable-robert-mouseman-thompson-yorkshire-oak-bookends-c-1940s/#comments Mon, 29 Jun 2026 06:31:49 +0000 https://earlyrareantique.com/early-rare-desirable-robert-mouseman-thompson-yorkshire-oak-bookends-c-1940s/





















Here we have for sale a rare and early pair of fully adzed Robert “Mouseman” Thompson bookends. Both sport the signature mouse with the earlier “heart shape” tails, which dates them into the 1940s. They are both in very good original condition and have been given a very light clean and nourished and protected by the application of several coats of Gilboy’s beeswax polish, which is a 100% organic and natural product. The grain on both matches when placed side by side, which shows that they are a natural pair carved from a single block of wood, as does the matching patination. The golden medulary rays to the side of each radiate out to add a touch of distinction and show they were carved from the very best part of the tree. To note they may have been dropped at some time in the past as there are a couple of nicks and nibbles to the edges of the rims and the tail of one mouse has had a small bash. It is not unusual to find earlier Mouseman pieces with older minor damage as they were made some 80 years ago, in a time when Mouseman was made to be used, not consigned to display cabinets. Likely these fell off the desk years ago, or something similar. The damage is minor and to be expected from pieces that have been regularly handled, nevertheless needs pointing out. (I have tried to show this in close up on the last two of the photos, so please view them carefully, along with all the others, to see condition). They are a lovely colour, medium fumed with a rich dark aged patina. The mice are pleasantly plump, animated and very skillfully carved. These earlier made bookends rarely come onto the market and are desirable, sought after collectors’ items. Dimensions are each H15.1cm x W9cm x D9.1cm approx. Please view all the photos carefully.

]]> https://earlyrareantique.com/early-rare-desirable-robert-mouseman-thompson-yorkshire-oak-bookends-c-1940s/feed/ 0 https://earlyrareantique.com/an-antique-early-georgian-north-yorkshire-oak-dresser-base-with-pot-board/ https://earlyrareantique.com/an-antique-early-georgian-north-yorkshire-oak-dresser-base-with-pot-board/#comments Thu, 23 Oct 2025 01:36:53 +0000 https://earlyrareantique.com/an-antique-early-georgian-north-yorkshire-oak-dresser-base-with-pot-board/

























An antique early Georgian North Yorkshire oak dresser base with pot board. Dating to the early 1700s. Fresh to market and sourced from just outside Harrogate. Well built in thick timber and using peg construction, this is a wonderful robust example. With stunning time worn deep polished patina, and central silhouette leg. The branded maker’s initials W. R present to the dresser front is a charming detail. The slatted end panels are an interesting and more unusual feature. Its design is certainly more inline with that of a more rural aesthetic. The pot board base makes this ideal to take centre stage in a kitchen interior. The hefty English oak has developed a deep warm hue which is very attractive. The small losses and knots in the timber to the top have become deeply polished, illustrating its long life of use. A perfect piece for any cottage or country home. The boards to the interior are particularly thick and chamfered. Another nice detail this wonderful piece boasts. The top has naturally warped gently which really does give even more character to the dresser. This does not effect use, more so empathise it’s significant age. There is a small circular recess to the front apron, most likely where a coin would have been inset. Possibly from when the piece was originally made. Given this was common place with other pieces of treen and some furniture during this period, this explanation seems very reasonable. Widest point – 166.5cm. Height – 96.3cm. Depth – 57.3cm. Front aperture height – 60.8cm. Interior depth – 51cm. Interior width – 151.8cm. Structurally sound and ready to use. No signs of repair or restoration. Wear and tear commensurate with age. Some evidence of minor non active historic wood worm. Although this is surprising very little considering the age of the dresser. This has been treated additionally for peace of mind. A historic small gap has formed between the two planks which form the top. This is to be expected. A single historic small timber infill to either end is present, this is where the dresser top would have dropped into place. A nice original untouched piece of Georgian rural oak furniture. Collection in person available by appointment only from our showroom.

]]> https://earlyrareantique.com/an-antique-early-georgian-north-yorkshire-oak-dresser-base-with-pot-board/feed/ 0 https://earlyrareantique.com/drew-u0026-al-discover-rare-antiques-from-a-top-yorkshire-dealer-salvage-hunters/ https://earlyrareantique.com/drew-u0026-al-discover-rare-antiques-from-a-top-yorkshire-dealer-salvage-hunters/#comments Sun, 23 Feb 2025 08:37:34 +0000 https://earlyrareantique.com/drew-u0026-al-discover-rare-antiques-from-a-top-yorkshire-dealer-salvage-hunters/ ]]> https://earlyrareantique.com/drew-u0026-al-discover-rare-antiques-from-a-top-yorkshire-dealer-salvage-hunters/feed/ 0