Lot 91: Antique Sycamore Wood Bitter Press, 19th Century

A 19th-century turned wood implement identified as a sycamore bitter press or butter worker. This single lot consists of one tool expertly turned from a light-coloured hardwood. The design comprises a circular, slightly domed head transitioning into a tapered handle. The handle is embellished with two decorative incised lines and terminates in a rounded, egg-shaped point. Historically, sycamore was the preferred material for dairy and kitchen treen as it does not impart any flavour or colour to food. This piece represents a classic example of functional Victorian or Georgian kitchenalia, used for the manual processing of dairy products. No manufacturer’s marks or origin labels are visible, which is characteristic of domestic treen from this period.