I'm trying to get some more information on a bench I recently purchased,. It's made from oak panels with cast iron sides in the form of birds, I would say a pelican or perhaps a crane. The previous owner told me that the bench is aprox. 70 years old and while it certainly seems that old I cannot be 100% sure that this is correct. Can anyone provide some insight in this particular bench? Perhaps the period it was made (country ?) and the significance (if any) of the bird motif. Any help or ideas are highly appreciated.
It's hard to tell from the picture, but that may be a heron. Or an egret. Possibly also a stork? Definitely not a pelican, I wouldn't say, but maybe a fanciful crane. As for the significance... well, storks are mute birds. Perhaps this was meant to be a quiet bench? Herons are valued among many peoples, symbols of strength and wisdom. You'd likely need to be strong to pick up this bench, as it appears heavy. If it is an egret, well, the Maori of New Zealand consider the great egret, Kotuku, representative of everything that is rare and beautiful. Do Oaks grow in New Zealand, though? Lastly, if it actually is a pelican, perhaps it came from the headquarters of the Irish Blood Transfusion Service at Pelican House in Dublin. Most people still recognize the bird as their famous symbol.
Looks similar to this. Check the measurements and maybe send them an email.
http://www.blackcountrymetalworks.co.uk/pelican-garden-bench.htm
I would guess that it's a cheaper version of the one that Riki linked to, maybe made in China. The British version is deeply and realistically molded while the detail in yours is defined only by shallow lines.
I don't think it's 70 years old. It's very easy to make iron and wood look old, though in this case neither material looks particularly aged. The wood in particular looks stained and newish. It's nice for what it is, I just don't think it's antique or original.
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