A striking mid-19th-century American folk art prayer kneeling bench retaining its original dark red-brown painted surface. The top is inscribed “PEW. No. 2.”, while the underside bears the pencil inscription “John Wechman / Seat No. 11.”
Full Description
This wonderfully primitive American prayer kneeling bench dates to the mid-19th century and retains an exceptionally characterful original painted surface.
Constructed in a long rectangular form with square-nailed joinery and simple bootjack-form legs, the bench is painted in a deep red-brown and lettered across the top in white with “PEW. No. 2.” A faint pencil inscription on the underside reads “John Wechman / Seat No. 11.”
Beautifully worn from generations of use, it is an evocative piece of American folk art with strong graphic appeal. Display it beneath a painting, in an entry, near a hearth, or as a low platform for books, pottery, or collected objects.
Provenance: Discovered in Maine.
Dimensions
36⅜ in. W × 8 in. D × 6½ in. H
Condition
Antique condition with authentic surface wear, scratches, paint loss, abrasions, and age-related marks throughout. The original finish and historic wear are an important part of its character.
