19th CENTURY MINIATURE TRAMPWORK TABLE

This is a very fine example of what is generally called "Tramp work". Such objects were whittled by tramps, or made for sale by Napoleonic or Crimean prisoners of war. Often made from green wood. The pieces could be squeezed into position when freshly cut from the hedge, but when dry will not come apart.

This table has a maximum diameter of only 140mm (5.5 inches) and is just 90mm (3.5 inches) high. Our senile curator tried to count the individual bits, he got to 584 before passing out.