Seventeenth century ‘credence’ – £1550 at Claydon Auctions.
This barn find was green with moss and had several areas of rot and decay. It was, however, a rare form c.1630.
The term ‘credence’ table is today associated with church furniture, and specifically a table used in the celebration of the Eucharist, but originally these folding tables would have been placed beside the main dining table in royal or noble houses for the ceremonial tasting of food and drink before eating.
Although in a sorry state from its outdoor life, it will reward some sensitive restoration – as evidenced by a bidding battle that rose from the £100 low estimate up to £1550.
