Search 0
6,696  PAGES BROWSED TODAY PAGES TODAY • 0 ANTIQUES UPLOADED TODAYNEW ARRIVALS
Sorted by
Per page
JOIN AS A SELLER DEALER LOGIN
Selling Antiques Logo
0
Saved
GIFTS
LATEST STOCK
Home
Return
Dealer Login
500+ Shops
Dealers
Newly Added
0
Saved
Antiques dealer?
Join as a Seller
Sort Order
Items Per Page
sellingantiques.co.uk
Browse Categories
Sort order
Relevant Links
Items per page
ID #SA1240037
FOR SALE
£195
Email Phone
Save
Substantial Steel Curiosity Treen Base Engraved with Cross & Latin Phrase
For sale by Folk and Fable Antiques
for sale €228     $248
£195
Folk and Fable Antiques

Folk and Fable Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Oct 2026
Browse dealers 45 items
  • About Us
    Unique pieces for collectors and curious minds
↓ Relevant Links
Id #SA1240037
PDF SHARE
SAVE

Substantial Steel Curiosity Treen Base Engraved with Cross & Latin Phrase

1900 - 1920
Description

A substantial steel curiosity, similar in style to a rushnip, but much later in date, likely late 19th - early 20th century. The treen base is carved with a cross and a latin phrase “In te, Domine, speravi” which translates as “In you, Lord, I have hoped (or trusted).” It comes from the Vulgate Bible, specifically Psalm 31 (Psalm 30 in some numbering traditions).

It is a heavy piece and measures a whopping 49cm tall.

A curious piece with a story, I’m sure.

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

Measures 49cm (H) x 14cm (W) x 9cm (D)

Weighs 1700 grams

Physical Dimensions
Height
49cm (19.29")
Width
14cm (5.51")
Depth
9cm (3.54")
Declaration

Folk and Fable Antiques has dated this Antique Steel Curiosity Treen to the 1910s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1240037
Description
A substantial steel curiosity, similar in style to a rushnip, but much later in date, likely late 19th - early 20th century.
“
The treen base is carved with a cross and a latin phrase “In te, Domine, speravi” which translates as “In you, Lord, I have hoped (or trusted).
Folk and Fable Antiques

” It comes from the Vulgate Bible, specifically Psalm 31 (Psalm 30 in some numbering traditions).

fig 1. A forged steel tool with an integral lower hook mounted vertically into a square dark wooden block engraved with a cross and text.
fig 1. Substantial Steel Curiosity Treen Base Engraved with Cross & Latin Phrase

It is a heavy piece and measures a whopping 49cm tall.

A curious piece with a story, I’m sure.

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

Measures 49cm (H) x 14cm (W) x 9cm (D)

Weighs 1700 grams

Height
49cm (19.29")
Width
14cm (5.51")
Depth
9cm (3.54")
Date of Manufacture

Folk and Fable Antiques has dated this Antique Steel Curiosity Treen to the 1910s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1240037
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

PDF SHARE
SAVE
A forged steel tool with an integral lower hook mounted vertically into a square dark wooden block engraved with a cross and text.
1 / 12
Archive I A forged steel tool with an integral lower hook mounted vertically into a square dark wooden block engraved with a cross and text.

Substantial Steel Curiosity Treen Base Engraved with Cross & Latin Phrase

Archive II A forged steel tool with an integral lower hook mounted vertically into a square dark wooden block engraved with a cross and text. View II
Archive III A forged steel tool with an integral lower hook mounted vertically into a square dark wooden block engraved with a cross and text. View III
Archive IV A forged steel tool with an integral lower hook mounted vertically into a square dark wooden block engraved with a cross and text. View IV
Archive V A forged steel tool with an integral lower hook mounted vertically into a square dark wooden block engraved with a cross and text. View V
Archive VI A forged steel tool with an integral lower hook mounted vertically into a square dark wooden block engraved with a cross and text. View VI
Archive VII A forged steel tool with an integral lower hook mounted vertically into a square dark wooden block engraved with a cross and text. View VII
Archive VIII A forged steel tool with an integral lower hook mounted vertically into a square dark wooden block engraved with a cross and text. View VIII
Archive IX A forged steel tool with an integral lower hook mounted vertically into a square dark wooden block engraved with a cross and text. View IX
Archive X A forged steel tool with an integral lower hook mounted vertically into a square dark wooden block engraved with a cross and text. View X
Archive XI A forged steel tool with an integral lower hook mounted vertically into a square dark wooden block engraved with a cross and text. View XI
Archive XII A forged steel tool with an integral lower hook mounted vertically into a square dark wooden block engraved with a cross and text. View XII
Enlarged Archival View
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 45
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
45
A forged steel tool with an integral lower hook mounted vertically into a square dark wooden block engraved with a cross and text.
Substantial Steel Curiosity Treen Base Engraved With Cross & Latin Phrase
Ref: SA1240037
A forged steel tool with an integral lower hook mounted vertically into a square dark wooden block engraved with a cross and text.
Detail View 1
Detail View 2
Detail View 3
Detail View 4
Detail View 5
Detail View 6
Detail View 7
Detail View 8
Detail View 9
Detail View 10
Detail View 11
Archival Detail

Strictly Vetted Dealers

Every single antique dealer on our platform is individually approved by our internal team. We verify their professional trade history, ethical standards, and photographic quality to ensure a secure, high-standard buying environment. Upon joining, every dealer agrees to a strict 9-point code of conduct. While issues can occasionally arise, our dealers typically resolve them swiftly and directly with the buyer. In fact, since our founding in 2002, Sellingantiques has only had to step in to help resolve an issue on roughly five occasions—a true testament to the quality of our dealers and their dedication to your happiness.

Secure Transit

Our dealers are highly experienced in packing and shipping fragile, high-value antiques. Because you are in direct contact with the dealer, you will be able to easily go through all available shipping and insurance options together to ensure your item arrives safely.

The Sustainable Choice

Antiques are the ultimate green purchase. By choosing historical pieces over newly manufactured goods, you completely eliminate the carbon footprint of modern mass production while preserving exceptional, timeless craftsmanship.

Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectCuriosities
  • Period1900 - 1920
  • StyleVictorian Gothic
  • MaterialSteel, Iron, Wood
  • ColourDark Brown
  • MotifsForged steel pincers, Engraved cross motif, Incised Latin lettering, Square treen block
  • SizeH 49 cm (19 in) x W 14 cm (6 in) x D 9 cm (4 in)

This 1910 Victorian Gothic curiosity consists of a forged steel tool with an integral lower hook mounted vertically into a dark brown square treen block. The steel component displays a dark, aged finish, while the heavy wooden base features an engraved cross motif and incised Latin lettering alongside visible surface wear and natural grain variations. The item stands 49 cm high, 14 cm wide, and 9 cm deep, weighing 1700 grams. Placed on a bookshelf, the object serves as a striking decorative talking point within a study or living area. The combination of forged metal and inscribed timber brings a distinct historical character to interior spaces, functioning well among books and ornamental displays.

FAQs

An antique curiosity with a treen base typically consists of a historical metal tool or implement mounted into a dense block of wood, known as treen, created for study, trade display, or preservation.

These objects were constructed using hand-forged wrought iron or steel paired with heavy hardwoods such as oak, beech, or fruitwood that provided stability for the metalwork.

Authentic examples exhibit surface irregularities from hand forging, natural surface oxidisation on the steel, and genuine hand-engraved or incised lettering with age-related wear on the timber.

Unusual historical objects function as tactile focal points when displayed on library bookshelves, mantelpieces, or curated sideboards alongside architectural drawings and ceramics.

Dust the object regularly using a soft dry brush, apply microcrystalline wax sparingly to the steel to prevent active rust, and feed the wooden base with clear beeswax paste.
items
Add keywords to the filter
Price
£100
£250000
Era
Period
Style
Material
Origin
Stock Location
Recently Added
Online Payments
Categories