Heavy solid wood stool or low seat --keywords, info

Purchased this at a thrift with the idea of consigning it at a local place that sells unusual items.

Wanted to do a quick check to see if something like this would make more sense to sell on Ebay. Heavy, measures 13" high, actually works as a low seat, I think you could put 250 lbs on it and it would be stable, but might be intended as a stool or plant stand. Any idea of the type of wood (redwood?) or age? All info appreciated.

 

Hi,
I used to see cypress wood "knees" made into stools stands etc late 40s early 50s.
greg

 

Looks like one to me, Greg.

My father's parents retired to the Keys and my folks brought a modest-sized knee home as a souvenir.

 

Growing up in florida,tables,lamps,clocks etc made out of cypress knees were in pretty much every home . My uncles in Miami used to make stuff out of them.

 

Thanks Greg, Bakers, and Johnny.

The way the "legs" come down, cypress was the first thing that came to mind. What had me confused about the wood was the weight of this (15lbs) and the hardness of the wood, plus the distinctive circular rings where the piece is cut. Are these all consistent with cypress?

Also, don't ask me why, but this feels like a more recent piece (maybe 70's or later?)

Thanks!

 

Think we've got this, but here is one last photo.

 

1970s cypress and love it!!!

 

That is the most dense part of the tree, so yes it's got weight.

 

Thanks for the confirmation, now wondering whether to try on Ebay...

Probably should give it a shot. I appreciate the help!

 

I'm betting it is earlier than 1970's because it was not finshed with a thick layer of varathane, but one of the products (shellac, etc) that was used earlier.

 

Thank you Lulululu. Good point!

By chance just sold and went out in today's mail. Hoping the buyer loves it.