Mark Seabrook Antiques has dated this piece to the 18th Century.
...I was told that it was for breaking nuts on the centre and they would fall into the gulley...I don't think so, as you would see lots of hammering marks, there are no marks....to me it looks like something was pressed to squeeze the liquid out and it would drain into the gulley....but it is a very tactile piece of early elm and I am sure someone will let me know its purpose....it would make a great centre piece at a dinner party and you could place cheese on the centre and biscuits around the edge resting in the gulley...!
English 18thc.
Mark Seabrook Antiques has dated this piece to the 18th Century.
Specialising in 17/18thc oak & country furniture, antique treen, early metalware & english pottery.
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Mark Seabrook Antiques Profile Page