A Large 18th Century Irish Antique Harnen / Oat Cake Dryer

Made and used in Ireland during the 18th and 19th-century to dry and toast oat cakes, these “harnens” have a folky charm and would normally be placed down hearth, in-front of an open fire.

Made by an artisan blacksmith, the stand is formed as a large inverted horseshoe inset with decorative ironwork with a single hinged support verso terminating with decorative splayed and twisted twin tines/feet.

Provenance – Ex-private collection close to Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, England.

Condition – As per the images. The base of the horseshoe has worn and the small iron shelf that was once in situ at its base is now missing due to wear. The ironwork still displays well and remains a decorative addition to any collection of kitchenalia or ironwork.

Size – Width 40 cm (15 3/4″) x Horseshoe height 32 cm (12 9/16″) x length of rear support 44.5 cm (17 1/2″)