With our absolute highest compliments Bay Colony Antiques takes the utmost pleasure in presenting this important and rare early American antique bed. Our practice has been dealing in historical furniture of all variety for well over half a century, and in that time we have only encountered several antique beds which can be held up for comparison to our present offering. To say that we are immensely proud to have come to own this example, and to now bring it to market for the consideration of collectors across the country, would be an understatement. This marvelous bed is one of those few specimens that any serious antique collector would drive anywhere and pay anything for as the chance to own such a prestigious example may come up perhaps only once in a generation. We travel the entire country searching anywhere antiques are found for the highest quality and most interesting pieces out there and even by our standards we feel privileged to presently own this remarkable antique bed.
This bed was constructed at the height of the American Federal period for a patron who had considerable means. During the late 18th century exotic mahogany lumber was prized above all others with merchant shipping vessels daring to cross oceans half a world away for a chance to secure the timbers which had grown plentiful in the Central and South American rainforests. Santo Domingo and Honduras are home to the finest selections of mahogany the world over and it is from one of these locations the wood used to build this bed were harvested. The hands of a master carver were employed to fashion the large vertical bed posts into works of art with spiraling and robust acanthus leaf carvings made to appear lifelike by the genius artisan. As with all pursuits there exists a limit of skill which may not be exceeded as the talents and proficiencies of the artisan have reached a zenith beyond any further advancement. While there exists different carving patterns observable on architecture and furniture works throughout the world there simply is no finer examples of wood carving to be found. That is not to say the brilliance of this American furniture carver cannot be rivaled by another master working with dense mahogany but simply put there is no chance to ever find craftsmanship which exceeds what this artisan endeavored to create centuries ago.
The headboard features a scrolled crest which was fashioned in the Sheraton manner and a large central panel comprised of book-matched crotched mahogany. With some exposure to sunlight the grain featured on the headboard creates an illustrious effect with a warm depth of color and brilliant figuring found within the wood. The bed posts are topped with pineapple carved finials which appear to be of a later make, likely selected to replace an old primitive tester system that would have spanned the perimeter of the top. The bed is secured with iron bolts and is in excellent order with all components being considerably tight and strong. This bed is so well made that it will remain sturdy and reliable long after any bed made in the modern era has outlived its use. The bed bolts are concealed behind casted brass coverlets observable on the two footboard posts. Aside from the masterful carvings and equally impressive wood turner was employed to fashion the four posts with the craftsman executing each post with exceptional detail. The headboard posts are crafted from fiddleback mahogany which features brilliant striping that only rare specimens of mahogany possess. Overall the bed measures 62" wide x 80" long x 81 1/2" tall. The rail lengths measure 71 3/4" long and the bed spans 61 3/4" wide when measured from the outer edges of both rails. The headboard stands 45 3/4" tall off the ground. The clearance beneath the bedrails is 14 1/4" while the clearance beneath the cross rails is 15 1/2" tall. The tops of both bedrails stand 18 1/4" tall.
If you require assistance with the custom bedding process, please let us know. It is easier and cheaper than you may think.
