Early 19th Century English Rustic Oak Tray Box With Hand Forged Iron Handles

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This is a fabulous early antique 19th century English iron-bound oak "trough" with angled sides and wonderful hand forged cast … Read more This is a fabulous early antique 19th century English iron-bound oak "trough" with angled sides and wonderful hand forged cast iron bale pull handles (England, circa 1810).
We commonly think of a trough as a long, open wooden receptacle to hold water for farm animals but in the 18th/19th century, many open containers with sides were often called "troughs," (from an Anglo-Saxon word referring to a hollowed out wooden object.).
We really have no idea where this was used- it might have been a baker's tray, though it is quite heavy and the iron reinforced straps tend to point to use in manufacturing of some sort, perhaps at a kiln-shed or blacksmithery. In any event, the rustic workmanship on this is impressive, with hand-forged iron straps and staples and rivets and, of course, the marvelous forged iron bale pull handles! The finish on this appears to be original and untouched.
Wouldn't this be outstanding to use in a greenhouse or enclosed porch to display potted plants, or even as a fireside box for kindling wood? It really is a special piece, and a unique example of the unstudied artistry of rustic craftsmen of the period. This trough was made NOT to be thrown away!
This piece measures 28.5" wide x 28.5" deep x 9.5" high. The interiors dimensions are:
25.5" wide x 25.5" deep x 8.25" high.
This trough was purchased in England in 2004 for display in our high-end interior design furniture showroom. We have done no restoration or made any improvement to this piece. It is in its original condition. It was never sold.
The gouges, scratches, the abrasions of the finish are consistent with the age of an antique piece. See less