A vintage Robert 'Mouseman' Thompson book trough - circa 1960s. It has been fully adzed, not only to the sides, but to the back as well. From the 1970s Mouseman stopped adzing the backs of their book troughs, so the later examples are just adzed to the sides, the backs are left plain.
 
It is in good condition. On close inspection wear can be seen - light scratches etc, all commensurate with over 60 years of use. The signature mouse has had a nick smoothed out on one side of the body, which has left it looking a bit flat. Another nick has been filled with bees wax, which you can't really notice with the naked eye, but it can be felt. There's also another small nick close to the mouse signature which can be seen in the pictures. There is no other damage to the mouse, the ears, face and tail are all perfect. 
 
The trough has been carved from a beautiful piece of quarter-sawn oak with medullary rays running throughout, especially to the shelf, which really capture the light. Only oak taken from the heart of the tree has these golden, ribbon-like flecks, which give the piece a distinctive look and adds a bit of uniqueness.  
 
Overall, a good example of a vintage Mouseman book trough. Other dealers have retailed these vintage, fully adzed book troughs for almost £1,000. This example has been priced to reflect the wear to the mouse, making it a much more affordable piece.
 
Deivery £5.95