Late 19th/Early 20th C. Rare Folding Shaker Sweater Stretcher

Regular price $85.00

I’ve found just a couple of exact matches for this striking folding sweater stretcher out there, both from auctions—one of this size sold at Skinner in 2016 for $246, the other, a child sized version, sold via D.L. Straight in Sturbridge, MA in 2021 for $175. It is from them that I know that it is Shaker, late 19th or very early 20th c.—which I did not realize when I purchased it; I just thought the hinged design was brilliant, the form wonderfully graphic and sculptural.( I just love the negative space created by the frame, like an arched window.) Mortise and tenon construction, plus a fantastic warm dry patina. Striking on the wall, and one could even hang something else inside the frame.

There are eyelets to the hinges that one could thread or hanging directly from. 16 7/16" t x 29 5/16" w when open. There is a little looseness at a couple of the joints (no glue holding them) but they easily adjust and present no issues if hanging and leaving. There is also one rough spot on reverse side, as detailed, not visible if hung face front.