Description
Overview
A hand-made wooden hay rake, likely late 19th to early 20th century, of the kind made on the farm for raking hay and grain by hand. A fan of individually set wooden tines spreads from a long turned handle, gathered at the throat with wrapped withy and bark binding and passed through a hand-shaped crossbar. The homemade construction and repairs suggest it was built and maintained on a working farm rather than factory-made. Local pickup only (Henrietta, NY).
Design & Craftsmanship
- Function & Form: Long-handled hand hay rake, approx. 54″ (4.5 ft) overall; seven tines fan from the throat and pass through a flat crossbar near their ends.
- Artistry & Ornamentation: Tines appear to be peeled sapling wood with a warm orange-brown patina; the throat is tightly wrapped with twisted withy or bark binding over a pale bark-covered core, with several nails or pegs likely added as period repairs or reinforcement.
- Structural Base: Crossbar is a single flat board drilled to receive each tine; handle is smooth and rounded at the end from long use. No maker’s marks observed.
Condition Report
- Surface Condition: Weathered dry patina with wear consistent with age and farm use; bark wrap at the throat is likely fragile, with small losses and exposed nail heads; crossbar edges worn and slightly rough.
- Structural Integrity: Appears intact, with all seven tines present and seated in the crossbar. This item is sold “as-is” with all associated patina and wear inherent to its age and history as part of the Tour World Crafts Barn & Studio Collection.
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