Summary:

• Item: Victorian double four poster bed
• Circa: 1880
• Period: Victorian
• Provenance: India
• Wood: Sissoo
• Maximum mattress opening: 4ft 7⅞” wide by 6ft 5” long
• Fits a standard UK double size mattress (4ft 6” wide by 6ft 3” long)
• Luxury quality mattresses available
• Single tier structure
• Optional drop-down bar canopy or finials
• Four elegant tapered & turned posts
• Floral carved crown
• Arched headboard with floral carved panel
• Turned spindles to headboard & footboard
• Moulded side rails & frame
• Stunning quality carvings
• Turned legs
• Dismantles for easy transportation and access
• Original polish & patination
• Rich dark red & brown colours
• Excellent original condition
• Muslin draping service available
• Free delivery to England, Wales & southern Scotland*
• Free 14-day UK returns policy

Description:

This is a fine quality antique Victorian double four poster bed, of colonial Raj Anglo-Indian origin, circa 1880, which will fit a standard UK double size mattress (4ft 6” wide by 6ft 3” long), in excellent original condition.  The level of detail and craftmanship displayed in the materials, construction and carving of this bed is second to none.  The design of this Anglo-Indian bed can be changed; you have the choice of finials on top of the posts, or a moulded bar canopy (please pictures).

This Victorian four poster bed will fit a standard UK double size mattress (4ft 6” wide by 6ft 3” long) if the slats remain at their original height (please see section “Lowering the Slats” below for further information).

The headboard incorporates a floral pierced fretwork carved panel, flanked by turned spindles.  An arched carved fretwork panel sits above, with decorative gadroon moulding running the length of the moulded headboard frame.

The Victorian double four poster bed incorporates elegant moulded side rails & frame side rails and footboard rail.  The footboard incorporates multiple ring-turned spindles below a barley twist rail.  Above the bed frame, four turned & tapered posts support a drop-down bar canopy.

The four-poster bed terminates on substantial turned legs.  This bed displays beautiful carvings throughout – even the bolt caps to the frame are carved into flower heads. The superstructure also lends itself to being dressed with romantic fabric drapes.

Retaining the original polish and patination, this colonial bed boasts a rich red-brown colour, with a satin French polish finish. The Victorian double four poster bed is constructed of sissoo wood and has a superior structure. This bed would look stunning in either a contemporary or traditional setting. It dismantles for easy transportation and we can provide good quality custom mattresses. This is a superior quality centrepiece for any bedroom and is ideal for those who prefer a wider bed.

Provenance:

The style of these bed dates from 1840 until 1947 (until Indian Independence). The beds were constructed for the British Raj, their families and the British Military in Colonial India. The beds were designed to collapse and be transported “flat pack” so could easily be moved whilst on military exercises and to their summerhouses in the hills. They were made when the Raj was at its height. The size, style and quality of the bed depict the status of the occupier or the military rank of the owner. They were made from the finest wood usually Mahogany, Teak or Sissoo wood (a member of the rose wood family).

Teak and sissoo wood were used extensively in the construction of these colonial four-poster beds because they had the advantage of only minimally expanding and contracting when exposed to extremes in temperature and humidity. They were resistant to woodworm, termites, and the occasional splash of seawater.

Condition Report:

This is a fine quality antique Victorian double four poster bed, of colonial Raj Anglo-Indian origin, circa 1880, which will fit a standard UK double size mattress (4ft 6” wide by 6ft 3” long), in excellent original condition.  Benefitting from the choice of finial posts or a canopy posts design.  Some nominal old use marks to the leading edges and polish but nothing significant considering the age of the item.   The headboard and footboard bed joints have been cleaned and glued to ensure the bed frame is solid in joint.  The bed has been French polished by hand in our workshop to a professional standard, therefore the colour and patination of the timber is of an excellent standard.  The carvings are all intact, with no missing pieces or damage beyond the usual signs of age and use. The bed assembles together and all bolts and screws are in good condition.  This Victorian double four poster bed is well constructed, solid in joint and ready to use.  It is rare to find antique four poster beds which will fit a modern standard 4ft 6” double size mattress.

Dimensions:

External height = 223cm / 87¾” / 7ft 3¾”
External length = 215cm / 84⅝” / 7ft 0⅝”
External width (canopy) = 156cm / 61⅜” / 5ft 1⅜”
Headboard height (including crown) = 155cm / 61” / 5ft 1”
Headboard height (excluding crown) = 116cm / 45⅝” / 3ft 9⅝”
Footboard height = 89cm / 35” / 2dr 11”
Height from floor to top of side rails = 62.5cm / 24⅝” / 2ft 0⅝”
Side rail length = 189.5cm / 74⅝” / 6ft 2⅝”
Side rail depth = 13cm / 5⅛”

Maximum Mattress Opening (slats not lowered):
Length = 199cm / 78⅜” / 6ft 6⅜”
Width (slats) = 138cm / 54¼” / 4ft 6¼”
Width (including side rails) = 145cm / 57” / 4ft 9”

Maximum Mattress Opening (slats lowered):
Length = 199cm / 78⅜” / 6ft 6⅜”
Width = 135.5cm / 53⅜” / 4ft 5⅜”

Terms & Conditions:

Before you purchase this item, please ensure you have read and are in agreement with our Terms & Conditions of Sale. If you have any questions regarding our Terms & Conditions of Sale, please contact us to discuss them, before purchasing this item.

Ref. A170/82174