{"product_id":"rare-18thc-english-antique-oatcake-toaster-harnen-ribbleboard","title":"Exceptionally Rare Early 18th-Century English Antique Oatcake Toaster \/ Harnen \/ Ribbleboard","description":"\u003cp\u003eIs it a tiny throne or a kitchen essential?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e​Take a look at this 18th-century beauty! At first glance, you might think it’s a child’s settle—a cozy miniature bench for a Georgian-era toddler. But look closer at those vertical spindles! \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile it looks like a miniature bench or \"settle,\" its true purpose was culinary.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e​This is actually a rare \u003cstrong\u003e18th-century wooden oat cake dryer\u003c\/strong\u003e (also known as a \u003cstrong\u003eharnen\u003c\/strong\u003e or \u003cstrong\u003eribbleboard\u003c\/strong\u003e). In the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly in Wales, Ireland, and Northern England, large circular oatcakes were a staple food. After being cooked on a griddle, these cakes were placed on these wooden racks in front of an open hearth to dry and crisp up before being stored.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e​Why it's not a Settle:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e​The Slats: The vertical spindles are spaced specifically to allow heat and air from the fire to circulate around the oatcakes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e​The Depth: These dryers are typically much shallower than a seat, as they only needed to hold thin cakes upright.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e​The Placement: These were strictly \"down-hearth\" items, designed to sit directly in front of the flames.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt’s a stunning piece of \"treen\" (antique small woodenware) that brings the history of the farmhouse kitchen right into the modern home.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e​Would you have guessed it was for baking?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance\u003c\/strong\u003e: England. Early 18th-Century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial\u003c\/strong\u003e: Oak.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e: Please refer to the images. There is surface wear commensurate with age. There are traces of old inactive worm in part. The is on old blacksmith-forged brace repair to the front and side. All joints are sound.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e80cm wide → 31.5in\u003cbr\u003e59cm high → 23.2in\u003cbr\u003e15cm deep → 5.9in\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Holt Antiques at Walsingham Mill ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52720701178198,"sku":"HAF7277","price":1975.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0782\/7462\/5878\/files\/1771849458502.png?v=1772382474","url":"https:\/\/holtantiquefurniture.com\/products\/rare-18thc-english-antique-oatcake-toaster-harnen-ribbleboard","provider":"Holt Antiques at Walsingham Mill ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}