18th Century Norwegian Antique Mangle Board Dated 1759-1782

An 18th Century Norwegian antique mangle board formed from an elongated wooden plank with attached handle.

The elongated plank is scratch and gouge carved with geometric designs, initials and bearing a number of dates ranging from 1759-1782.

What is a Mangle Board?

The mangle board (sometimes called mangling board or smoothing board) is one of the most poignant and interesting objects of folk art, particularly but not exclusively Scandinavian folk art. An ancestor of the iron and cousin of the laundry bat, this old domestic implement was used to press or smooth laundry, i.e., to remove the folds after washing. The mangle board was a single piece of carved wood (usually oak, beech or pine), used in conjunction with a kind of rolling pin (or roller) around which a slightly damp material (towel, cloth, sheet, etc.) was tightly rolled. The person using the mangle board held the handle with her dominant hand, with the other hand placed flat near the end of the board. The mangle board was then moved over the rolling pin in a back and forth movement, thereby smoothing and softening the linen, a rather rough fabric.

Provenance – Sourced directly from Scandinavia.

Condition – Please refer to the images. The board has a dry surface with some age-related wear. There are minor traces of old worm however this is historic and inactive and, has been treated as a precautionary measure. A further detailed condition report is available upon request.

Size – Length 72.5 cm (28 1/2″)