Early American Antique Federal Period Mahogany Acanthus & Pomegranate Carved Bed

Description

With our absolute highest compliments Bay Colony Antiques takes the utmost pleasure in offering this important and rare antique four … more With our absolute highest compliments Bay Colony Antiques takes the utmost pleasure in offering this important and rare antique four post bed. This example is simply nothing short of impressive with larger proportions not common for antique beds of the late 18th century. Every component of the bed is constructed from robust elements all of which are from the highest grade of exotic mahogany lumber sourced from either Honduras or Santa Domingo during the 18th century. Beds of this caliber are so uncommon they are moreover thought to simply not exist. While we have been fortunate to have owned and offered beds of the late 18th century with remarkably turned and carved bed posts, we have never encountered an example before where every single aspect of the bed is as dense or as finely constructed as this current offering. Every detail on this bed is meticulously carved and crafted, overall, the bed has remained in pristine condition throughout centuries of existence. If you are a collector seeking the absolute finest in 18th century traditional furniture this should be the last bed you will ever have to take into consideration. Compared to all other antique beds of similar stature this bed is without equal and simply superior in all respects.

As previously mentioned, this bed is constructed from the highest grade of mahogany available to furniture makers at any point in history. We cannot overstate how commanding and dense every element of this bed is. Situated atop each post are four carved pomegranates which are articulated and surmounted by individually carved acanthus leaves. In the 18th century exotic fruits such as pineapples were popular motifs in woodcarving and decorative art objects albeit; the pomegranate as a stylized design element is a rare occurrence and we are not aware of another piece incorporating the fruit into their designs. Each post is meticulously carved with spiraling acanthus leaf patterns quite similar to the finest examples of carved furniture produced in New York City two centuries ago. The headboard and footboard are virtual copies of one another with curved crest rails and book-matched twin panels boasting exotic crotched mahogany grain patterns. The bed stands on four finely turned legs and is made complete with ornamental brass bolt covers and the original rails that feature the raised spindles when rope was woven in both directions to form the bed foundation.

Today custom mattress companies produce tailor made box springs which either drop down between the bed rails or have rabbit edge ends where the boxspring rests over the rails and between the rails as well. We are happy to provide our insights and advice depending on which bedding options you may want to consider. The bed measures 61" wide x 83 1/2" deep x 59 3/4" tall overall. The interior dimensions for bedding considerations are 53 1/4" wide not considering the thickness of "L" bracket supports x 73 1/2" deep. There is 20" of clearance height under the side rails and 19 1/2" of clearance beneath the headboard. From the floor to the top of the bed rails is 23" in height not considering the extra height of the turned knobs used for the original rope foundation. The bottom of the headboard is 25 1/2" tall off the ground while the top of the headboard stands 49" tall off the ground. less