WELSH OAK WAINSCOT CHAIR , EARLY 17THC, {WAINSCOT AS IN PANELLED }
Either side of the top rail, are two opposing S shapes, where at the top scroll, it runs counter clockwise, and the bottom scroll , clockwise.
Turns out this is a disputed idea even today, and is known as the "Coriolis Effect", When in the Northern Hemisphere, water drains counter clockwise, and in the Southern, clockwise, this is believed to do with the Earths Magnetic field and the "Tilt" in space, incidentally, now at 23.5 degrees, not long ago 24.1, and today Magnetic North is shifting rapidly towards Siberia from Canada at 25 miles a year!
The top rail appears to be a Dragon or Serpent, which is one of the oldest and widespread mythological symbols in the Ancient World, with numerous connotations and meanings,. In this case it could be to do with the National Welsh Flag, "The Pen-dragon" or {Dragon warrior}
In the past, animals, fictional and real have been associated with Kings, Power, Energy and Spirit.
The Serpent or snake, {Cobra} and Dragon are devised from Star patterns and shapes, like the Zodiac, also, i think the Energy was inspired by the Suns Rays, {Physics}, empowering both the Animal and People.
The Egyptian symbol for Infinity , was a Snake holding its tail in its mouth," A Round Shape"
The Egyptian Kings had a Cobra in their headdress,
The Vikings had a Dragon carved onto the bow of their boats,
In English Myth , George killed the Dragon,
The Romans used the Eagle as a figure head, as did later, the Germans in WW11.
The Scottish hallmark on Silver items have a "Lion Rampant" {on hind legs roaring}
Very interesting Ancient Symbols still in evidence today.