A beautifully timeworn Breton bread rack, handcrafted in rural France - originally designed to hold and air freshly baked loaves in a boulangerie.

The shelf retains its rich patina, with visible hand-hewn marks and honest wear.

Today, this versatile piece would make a striking bar display with the spindle galleries acting as guards for bottles and glassware, as a kitchen pantry shelf ideal for holding cookbooks, oils, spices and dry goods or for curated display of antique pottery, glass or delft collections.

ORIGIN: Brittany (Breton), France

CIRCA: 19th century

MAKER'S MARK: None present

CONDITION: Good antique condition. Please zoom in on all photos and read detailed condition notes below.

DIMENSIONS: 29"wide x 15 and 3/8"deep x 44 and 3/4"high
top is 8 and 3/4"deep x 29"wide
top shelf is 23.5"wide x 5"deep x 9"high (gallery rail is 4"high)
2nd shelf is 23.5"wide x 5"deep x 9.5"high (gallery rail is 4 and 1/4"high)
3rd shelf is 23"wide 5.5."deep x 9 and 3/4"high (gallery raii is 4 and 1/4"high)
bottom shelf is 23 and 3/4wide x 14"deep x 11"high (gallery rail is 11.5"high from bottom to top)


Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: Good antique condition with heavy rustic wear and honest age. The entire shelf is structurally sound. Naive, rustic carving. Boards are hand-hewn with visible saw marks, irregular boards, early nail/peg construction. All of the spindles are accounted for as is all of the bottom slats. There is evidence of historic woodworm, surface wear, shrinkage cracks and minor losses consistent with the age and use of the piece. Thick, crude top board with shrinkage cracks. Some shrinkage cracks in the plank backing as can be seen in photos. Lower gallery shows the heaviest of wear. No obvious replacements beyond that of the later added metal wire and brackets for hanging on a wall.

I am happy to answer any questions you may have prior to purchase or to send more photos if needed.

Origin:
France

Materials & Techniques:
Wood

Details:
What type of item is it? Vintage / Antique / Used
Country of Origin: France

Original Condition Unaltered; Some Imperfections; Good antique condition with heavy rustic wear and honest age. The entire shelf is structurally sound. Naive, rustic carving. Boards are hand-hewn with visible saw marks, irregular boards, early nail/peg construction. All of the spindles are accounted for as is all of the bottom slats. There is evidence of historic woodworm, surface wear, shrinkage cracks and minor losses consistent with the age and use of the piece. Thick, crude top board with shrinkage cracks. Some shrinkage cracks in the plank backing as can be seen in photos. Lower gallery shows the heaviest of wear. No obvious replacements beyond that of the later added metal wire and brackets for hanging on a wall.

I am happy to answer any questions you may have prior to purchase or to send more photos if needed.