What is a whatnot and how was it historically used?

A whatnot, or etagere, is an open-tiered piece of furniture originating in the late 18th century designed to display ornaments, curiosities, or books.

What materials were traditionally used in maritime furniture?

Maritime shipboard furniture was predominantly crafted from dense hardwoods like teak or mahogany, often featuring slatted construction to allow airflow.

How can you identify authentic naval teak furniture?

Authentic naval pieces often feature makers brass plaques denoting vessel salvage origins, heavy slatted timber construction, and dense grain structures.

How can a teak whatnot be styled in a modern interior?

Position the vertical shelving unit in an alcove or corner to display ceramics, folded textiles, or potted house plants to introduce warm wood tones.

How should antique teak furniture be preserved?

Dust regularly with a dry cloth and apply a natural beeswax polish periodically while keeping the item away from direct heat sources to prevent timber drying.

for sale €345 $375

£295

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Dark Wood Display Shelves

Id #SA1173482

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Antique Ship's Teak Four Tier Whatnot

Name: Antique Ship's Teak Four Tier Whatnot
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1173482
Price: 295 GBP
Availability: InStock

1900 - 1920

For Sale by In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors

Description

A good quality arts and crafts style four-tier whatnot dating from the early 20th century. It is made from teak with slatted shelves and square uprights with pointed finials. It has a tall carrying handle over the top shelf.

It has an ivorine maker's plaque for"Hughes, Bolckow & Co Ld MANUFACTURERS, BATTLESHIP WAR BLYTHE". Hughes, Bolckow & Co were a prominent firm of shipbreakers who were responsible for scrapping a number of famous Royal Navy ships including HMS Britannia. The company had a Ship Timber Department that would create articles manufactured from teakwood taken from obsolete battleships.

It is in very good condition for its age and is a good quality piece. There are signs of age and use, some surface marks and light knocks but no major damages and it has a lovely patina. It has been cleaned and gently polished and is ready for use.

The best description comes from the photos so please look at them all carefully and if you have any questions just ask.

Nationwide delivery available through our network of reliable couriers. Please get in touch for an accurate quote to your location.

Physical Dimensions

Height

97cm (38.19")

Width

29cm (11.42")

Depth

29cm (11.42")

Declaration

In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors has dated this Teak Four Tier Whatnot to the 1900s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1173482

Description

It has an ivorine maker's plaque for"Hughes, Bolckow & Co Ld MANUFACTURERS, BATTLESHIP WAR BLYTHE".

“

Hughes, Bolckow & Co were a prominent firm of shipbreakers who were responsible for scrapping a number of famous Royal Navy ships including HMS Britannia.

In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors

The company had a Ship Timber Department that would create articles manufactured from teakwood taken from obsolete battleships.

fig 1. A tall, four-tier dark teak ships whatnot stand featuring slatted timber shelves, pyramid finials, a top carrying rail, and a brass makers plaque on the lowest shelf. — fig 1. Antique Ship's Teak Four Tier Whatnot

It is in very good condition for its age and is a good quality piece. There are signs of age and use, some surface marks and light knocks but no major damages and it has a lovely patina. It has been cleaned and gently polished and is ready for use.