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ID #SA1239695
FOR SALE
£1,950
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Rare Antique Late 18th - Early 19th Century Hearth Stool with Carved Apotropaic Marian Mark
For sale by Folk and Fable Antiques
for sale €2,282     $2,477
£1,950
Folk and Fable Antiques

Folk and Fable Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Oct 2026
Browse dealers 36 items
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Rare Antique Late 18th - Early 19th Century Hearth Stool with Carved Apotropaic Marian Mark

18th century
Description

A rare antique late 18th - early 19th century hearth stool, with period carved apotropaic Marian mark to the underneath.

This symbol, which is often in the form of overlapping ‘V’s (VV) or, like this example, an ‘M’, is called a ‘Marian Mark’ and was used as a protective symbol in homes and churches to invoke the Virgin Mary for protection against evil.

These apotropaic marks were scratched into thresholds, windows, and walls, and while their religious meaning faded, they persisted as folk magic to ward off witchcraft and bad luck.

A rare survivor!

Condition is good, commensurate with age and use. Structurally sound.

Measures 21cm (H) x 25.5cm (W) x 18cm (D)

Weighs 950 grams

Physical Dimensions
Height
21cm (8.27")
Width
25.5cm (10.04")
Depth
18cm (7.09")
Declaration

Folk and Fable Antiques has dated this Antique Oak Hearth Stool to the 18th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1239695
Description
A rare antique late 18th - early 19th century hearth stool, with period carved apotropaic Marian mark to the underneath.

This symbol, which is often in the form of overlapping ‘V’s (VV) or, like this example, an ‘M’, is called a ‘Marian Mark’ and was used as a protective symbol in homes and churches to invoke the Virgin Mary for protection against evil.

“
These apotropaic marks were scratched into thresholds, windows, and walls, and while their religious meaning faded, they persisted as folk magic to ward off witchcraft and bad luck.
Folk and Fable Antiques

A rare survivor!

Condition is good, commensurate with age and use. Structurally sound.

Measures 21cm (H) x 25.5cm (W) x 18cm (D)

Weighs 950 grams

Height
21cm (8.27")
Width
25.5cm (10.04")
Depth
18cm (7.09")
Date of Manufacture

Folk and Fable Antiques has dated this Antique Oak Hearth Stool to the 18th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1239695
Folk and Fable Antiques
Folk and Fable Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Oct 2026

Unique pieces for collectors and curious minds

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Folk and Fable Antiques Profile Page

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A low rectangular wooden hearth stool featuring dark aged oak timber, four splayed legs, and exposed wedged tenon joints on the top surface.
1 / 13
Archive I A low rectangular wooden hearth stool featuring dark aged oak timber, four splayed legs, and exposed wedged tenon joints on the top surface.

Rare Antique Late 18th - Early 19th Century Hearth Stool with Carved Apotropaic Marian Mark

Archive II A low rectangular wooden hearth stool featuring dark aged oak timber, four splayed legs, and exposed wedged tenon joints on the top surface. View II
Archive III A low rectangular wooden hearth stool featuring dark aged oak timber, four splayed legs, and exposed wedged tenon joints on the top surface. View III
Archive IV A low rectangular wooden hearth stool featuring dark aged oak timber, four splayed legs, and exposed wedged tenon joints on the top surface. View IV
Archive V A low rectangular wooden hearth stool featuring dark aged oak timber, four splayed legs, and exposed wedged tenon joints on the top surface. View V
Archive VI A low rectangular wooden hearth stool featuring dark aged oak timber, four splayed legs, and exposed wedged tenon joints on the top surface. View VI
Archive VII A low rectangular wooden hearth stool featuring dark aged oak timber, four splayed legs, and exposed wedged tenon joints on the top surface. View VII
Archive VIII A low rectangular wooden hearth stool featuring dark aged oak timber, four splayed legs, and exposed wedged tenon joints on the top surface. View VIII
Archive IX A low rectangular wooden hearth stool featuring dark aged oak timber, four splayed legs, and exposed wedged tenon joints on the top surface. View IX
Archive X A low rectangular wooden hearth stool featuring dark aged oak timber, four splayed legs, and exposed wedged tenon joints on the top surface. View X
Archive XI A low rectangular wooden hearth stool featuring dark aged oak timber, four splayed legs, and exposed wedged tenon joints on the top surface. View XI
Archive XII A low rectangular wooden hearth stool featuring dark aged oak timber, four splayed legs, and exposed wedged tenon joints on the top surface. View XII
Archive XIII A low rectangular wooden hearth stool featuring dark aged oak timber, four splayed legs, and exposed wedged tenon joints on the top surface. View XIII
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Folk and Fable Antiques

Folk and Fable Antiques
Telephone 07788 216610
Location
North Devon
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/folkandfable
Verified Since Oct 2026
Items For Sale 36
Folk and Fable Antiques
Folk and Fable Antiques
Verified Since Oct 2026
View Dealer Info
Location: North Devon, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/folkandfable
Verified
Oct 2026
For Sale
36
A low rectangular wooden hearth stool featuring dark aged oak timber, four splayed legs, and exposed wedged tenon joints on the top surface.
Rare Antique Late 18th - Early 19th Century Hearth Stool With Carved Apotropaic Marian Mark
Ref: SA1239695
A low rectangular wooden hearth stool featuring dark aged oak timber, four splayed legs, and exposed wedged tenon joints on the top surface.
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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectStools
  • Period18th century
  • StyleRustic Farmhouse
  • MaterialOak
  • ColourDark Brown
  • MotifsWedged tenon joints, Splayed legs, Rectangular hand-hewn seat
  • SizeH 21 cm (8 in) x W 25.5 cm (10 in) x D 18 cm (7 in)

This rare antique hearth stool dates from the late 18th to early 19th century in a rustic farmhouse style. Constructed from solid oak with a dark brown finish and visible grain, the piece comprises a rectangular hand-hewn seat supported by four splayed turned legs. The top surface displays exposed wedged tenon joints and surface wear showing age, while the underside bears a period carved apotropaic Marian mark. Measuring 21 cm high, 25.5 cm wide, and 18 cm deep, the compact stool is structurally sound and ready for daily use. In a modern home, this practical and symbolic seating item suits placement beside a fireplace hearth as a low footstool or decorative accent piece in a traditional living space.

FAQs

Hearth stools were practical items of vernacular furniture crafted for everyday domestic use near the fireplace in rural homes. These low seating pieces allowed individuals to sit close to the fire source for warmth, cooking, or craft duties.

They were commonly crafted from native regional hardwoods such as oak, elm, or ash using simple staked construction. The legs were hand-hewn or turned and inserted directly into mortises in a solid timber seat, frequently secured with timber wedges.

Authentic period examples feature hand-planed surface textures, irregular wedged joints, and oval distortion in the mortise holes due to timber shrinkage over centuries. Uneven wear on the feet and incised ritual or maker marks also indicate genuine age.

A low rustic stool can be positioned beside a fireplace, placed next to low seating as an accent table, or utilised as a plant stand. Its compact scale and natural grain add visual texture to contemporary or traditional interior schemes.

Keep the timber away from direct heat sources and extreme moisture fluctuations to prevent splitting or joint separation. Clean periodically with a dry cloth and apply clear beeswax polish to protect the patinated surface.
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