A Highly Impressive and Decorative Oak Cresting Rail from the Charles II Period

Having two central dragons, or serpents, carved back to back with sharp eyes, even sharper teeth, and a long curled tongue.

Between the creatures is a large roundel, with central boss and radiating spokes – the roundels are repeated at each end. Between are scrolls and stylised foliage. The background has numerous punch-decorated stars as a further embellishment.

The carving is of the deepest form and has achieved a fabulous patina and surface, which is particularly noticeable along the top edge, which would indicate a position where it was constantly handled and touched, possibly the crest rail to either a settle or bed footboard.

Possibly Lancashire, possibly Gloucestershire, circa 1660-1680.

Length 59 inches, height 6.5 inches, depth 1 inch.

Ref 2911