Stock ref: DS1166

Circa 1930s

Rare to the market,  early carved squirrel bookends in excellent condition are highly sought after by  Mouseman collectors, all the more so following publication of the book – Mouseman, The Legacy of Robert Thompson of Kilburn, which features a picture of Robert Thompson carving a similar pair of squirrel bookends on the front cover. Exquisitely observed and carved  this pair features  the earlier and  very rare squirrels  with acorns at their feet, as well as in their hands, a feature that seems to be omitted from later versions. Trademark mice are carved prominently to the top of each bookend, their tails trailing down the side. The waxed oak has a developed a superb rich depth of colour  and is tooled and adzed to all visible surfaces. Being so prominent it is common for the ears to be damaged  but this pair of squirrels presents in top condition with no breakages or evidence of repair. There are some fine shallow hairline wood grain splits on the bookends but this is entirely normal on aged oak. Their early history is not known but they have been in the most recent family ownership since the early 60s.

Size: 10(w) x 13.5(d) x 21.5(h) 

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Stock ref: DS1148

Circa late 1940s / 1950s

 A superb example of an earlier octagonal coffee or occasional table, of slightly smaller overall proportions than the modern made examples with a number of other differences, notably adzing to all visible surfaces including the pedestal and feet, the feet are also curved at the ends rather than angle cut. Wonderful condition with solid joints and no evidence of damage or repair and a glorious naturally aged colour and patina. The single plank top has very  slight usage marking  and natural grain splitting in  the top, entirely commensurate with normal usage and age and a large fat crisply carved mouse sits prominently on the cruciform leg. Acquired privately it has been in the last ownership since the early 80s, having been bought as a vintage piece  at that time from Robert Thompson’s.

Size: 42.5 (dia) x 42.5(h)

To see an octagonal table and other small items being made at R. Thompsons in the 1940s i enclose a link to a homemade private 8mm  silent film made in 1948  now held by the YFA (Yorkshire Film Archive)

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Stock ref: DS1144

Circa 1975

The pin dish is no longer produced by R. Thompson’s and is often mistakenly sold as an ashtray, although the bowl diameter is slightly smaller and they lack the cigarette  cut-outs. Lovely condition  and honey colour and free from any damage
or staining.

Size: 10(w) x 7.7(d) x 3.5(h)

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Stock ref: DS1145

Circa 1960s

No longer produced by Robert Thompson’s, this ashtray features an exceptionally large high backed mouse, the highest i’ve seen carved onto an ashtray. These ashtrays typically have an overall height including the mouse carving of between 3.5 and 4.0 cm,
this piece is 4.7 cm in height. It looks to be unused as an ashtray so presents in pristine condition with a  wonderful aged honey colour.

Size: 10(w) x 7.5(d) x 4.7(h) cm

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Stock ref: DS1140

Circa 1960s

Lovely early example of the wider, shallower fruitbowl with the mouse carved centrally, introduced about 1960. Adzed and in very good used condition, with some minor marks, staining and rubbing / polishing inside the bowl, as expected from normal usage
on an older bowl.  Well carved mouse, his tail slightly flattened by rubbing and polishing. No wood splits or repairs. Presents with a lovely patina in a deep nutty brown colour which highlights the graining wonderfully ,particularly in the bowl.

Size: 29(dia) x 6(h) cm.

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Stock ref: DS1143

Circa 1960s

Vintage handcrafted ‘Mouseman’ Book Trough  in fabulous condition and a lovely aged deep honey colour with no staining or damage. A well carved trademark signature mouse is running down the right hand side quadrant shaped end section.  In line
with early craftsmanship the base, back and  sides have been subtly adzed, making earlier book troughs highly desirable. Later more modern made pieces only feature adzing to the quadrant sides.

Size: 46.5(w) x 21.7(d) x 20.5(h)

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Stock ref: DS1141

Circa 1970s / 80s

No longer made, this mouseman ashtray appears to be unused and is in superb waxed condition, free from any damage or staining, with a large and finely carved mouse. The oak is a  wonderful nutty brown colour, the wood displaying particularly fine
graining.

Size: 10(w) x 7.5(d) x 3.8(h)cm

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Stock ref: DS1142

Circa 1940s / 50s

Early Mouseman cheese boards  with the mouse carved prominently on the board are always highly sought after by collectors. Most have an oval shaped platter but this is a very rare kidney shape. Subtly adzed to the surface it also features the narrower and higher handle typically found on early cheese boards, when production cost was less of a consideration and the boards were carved from a thicker block of solid oak than today.

It is presented in a lovely used  and waxed condition, bearing some minor knife cuts on the platter  and a small nibble to an ear on the high backed carved mouse, which serve to confirm its age and usage over the years as originally intended. The deep  aged honey colour, medullary ray figuring and patina is wonderful making this rare piece a superb addition to any collection.

Size: 37(l) x 17.5(w) x 4.5(h)

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