Description

In very good condition for its age. This rare and early steamed bentwood wooden fishing creel has been extremely well looked after and remains solid and functional. It features a hardwood lid with quality brass hinges, a replacement hasp and staple lock, and an original leather shoulder strap.

Dimensions: Width 13″, Depth 6″, Height 12″.

Constructed using the traditional steamed bentwood technique, this creel is a superb example of early craftsmanship. Thin strips of hardwood were softened with steam and carefully bent into shape, a labour-intensive process that produced both strength and elegant curves. Unlike the more common wicker creels, these bentwood models were made in small numbers, often by skilled craftsmen in the late 19th to early 20th century, making surviving examples particularly scarce today.

The result is a beautifully shaped and durable creel with a smooth, continuous grain and a distinctive early aesthetic. The hardwood lid and metal fittings complement the form perfectly, while the patina of the wood speaks to years of careful use and preservation.

A fine and rare piece of early angling history, ideal for display in a fishing room, study, or collection of traditional tackle.