Posted 12 years ago
nannah
(37 items)
I picked this up at an auction this week and it was in pieces so i figured when i get it put back together ill know what it is NOPE!!
It just looks like a small bench but folds out on hinges then the one side has a hole looks like the size a medium size wash pan
then has a tab to pull and release a padded leather [back rest?]
with ratcheted with 5 height settings
any ideas? i would love to know what this was used for
I'm wondering if it can be the bench version of a Chamber Pot Chair since it has what could be a back rest. Maybe for an older person or invalid person.
A knowledgeable friend has suggested that it's for taking a sitz bath (sitting in warm water, etc.). Very cool piece!
I checked on Pinterest and it looks like an old crib bench...
At the risk of being morbid, I think what you have is a portable embalmers table which would also be used for performing autopsy. I recall seeing one similar when looking at the wicker casket someone posted and looking for other examples.
I now withdraw my 'sitz bath' guess and concur with fhrjr2. Apparently there was something similar shown on the TV show Oddities. Very cool piece.
well since my post and after 4 days of researching i found out this is a birthing table
as labor progressed the midwife could raise the back to make delivery easier {haha}
and the baby would just follow gravity so mystery solved any one someone having a baby?
Very interesting piece of ,,furniture. I have not seen one before. That's what makes this site so great. Now when I am at sales, I am a little better educated on items that before, I would pass up, but now buy.
I was at the wrong end of the life line. One table for bringing them in to the world and another for the exit. It will make an interesting conversation piece.
thanks everyone for your comments i love this site im now in thew process of refinishing the piece so it can be used the caning has several holes in it
ill post pics when its done
Fascinating Item! Love it
so where does the stork land?!
I know someone who does caning (and other natural seats) if you're looking for someone.
Great Piece!
where? im near st louis
oops - the person I know is in Abington, MA, but there's a wonder website http://www.wickerwoman.com/ that lists 'weavers' all over the country. I'd suggest you contact someone in your area. Wishing you all the best.
thanks ! i think your right i should stay close to home
Glad to hear it is being reworked, those drywall screws sure detract from it. It is a nice old piece.
I showed this to my wife (a Registered Nurse and Birthing Coach) and she instantly said it was a birthing table, then we scrolled down to Nannah's update about solving it.
oh my gosh does she have any idea how old it might be? i cant find anything to compare it to