Summary:
• Circa: 1880
• Period: Victorian
• Provenance: India
• Wood: Teak
• Fits a standard UK double mattress
• Mattress size: 4ft 6” wide by 6ft 3” long
• Four turned tapering posts
• Protruding canopy
• Floral carved mirrored crown to headboard
• Single panel floral carved headboard with spindles
• Turned footboard rail with spindles
• Moulded side rails
• Shaped baluster legs
• Dismantles for easy transportation
• High quality custom mattresses available
• Original polish & patination
• Excellent condition
• Muslin draping service available
• Free delivery to mainland England, Wales & Southern Scotland*
• Free 14 days UK returns policy
Description:
Here is a good quality antique 4ft 6” wide Victorian colonial Raj four-poster bed, which boasts the original polish and originates from colonial India, circa 1880. This bed will fit a standard UK double mattress (4ft 6” wide by 6ft 3” long). The bed features a single tier structure with a single carved floral panel headboard, flanked by ring turned spindles. Above this, the headboard features an elegantly moulded shaped top rail. An intricately carved crown, interspersed with floral open fretwork carvings and an inset oval mirror, sits on top of the headboard.
Alongside the outer perimeter frame of the bed, the headboard, footboard and side rails feature elegant mouldings. To the bottom of the bed, the single tier footboard features turned spindles, below a turned horizontal rail. The bed features four elegant turned tapering posts, which support a protruding dovetailed canopy. The bed sits on four shaped baluster legs. The superstructure lends itself to being dressed with romantic fabric drapes.
This bed retains the original polish, which is why the bed boasts a dark rich red / brown colour and patination; it is impossible to re-create this colour if it has been re-polished. The bed is constructed of teak and it features a good quality structure. This bed would look stunning in either a contemporary or traditional setting. It dismantles for easy transportation and we can provide affordable good quality custom mattresses.
Provenance:
The style of these beds 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.
External Dimensions:
External Height = 213.5cm or 84” or 7ft
External length = 216cm or 85” or 7ft 1”
External width = 151cm or 59½” or 4ft 11½”
Headboard height (including Crown) = 152.6cm or 60” or 5ft
Headboard height (excluding Crown) = 112cm or 44⅛” or 3ft 8⅛”
Footboard height = 85cm or 33½” or 2ft 9½”
Height from floor to top of side rails = 61cm or 24” or 2ft
Height from floor to bottom of side rails = 48cm or 18⅞” or 1ft 6⅞”
Side rail depth = 12.8cm or 5”
Mattress Dimensions (slats not lowered):
Length = 195cm or 76¾” or 6ft 4¾” max
Width (slats) = 136cm or 53½” or 4ft 5½” max
Width (including side rails) = 142cm or 55⅞” or 4ft 7⅞” max
Mattress Dimensions (slats lowered):
Length = 195cm or 76¾” or 6ft 4¾” max
Width = 133.3cm or 52½” or 4ft 4½” max
This bed will fit a standard UK double mattress, which is 4ft 6” wide by 6ft 3” long. The mattress shown on the bed in the picture is a UK double mattress.
It is advised that 1” should be removed from the mattress width dimension if the slats are to be lowered. Between 1”- 2” (in total) should be removed from the above mattress length dimension to allow the mattress to comfortably fit on the bed between the headboard and footboard.
Mattresses:
Because these beds are individually unique and do not always conform to modern mattress dimensions, we also supply a range of customised high quality mattresses for these beds starting from £400. Our mattresses are constructed of natural materials (silk, wool & cashmere) and are hand made in the UK. The mattresses can have the corners removed so to maximise the mattress fit in the super-structure of bed. The price quoted does not include the mattress. Please enquire for a mattress quote.
Draping Service:
We offer a separate draping service whereby we can dress the bed with any fabric of choice. This service can consist of the basic fabric being wrapped around the canopy, to hanging curtains or, providing a dressed solid roof with hung curtains. Apart from the superior style and presence, this four-poster bed had a practical purpose. The bed would have originally been decorated with a light muslin cotton material to prevent the mosquitos from biting the occupants in bed. The advertised price does not include drapes. Please contact us for a quote.
Lowering the Slats:
If you require the slats lowering into the bed frame, we charge £90 for the structural work. By lowering the slats the width of the mattress will be reduced by 1” in total. The slats are lowered by around 3” in height. The benefit of lowering the slats is that you get to see more of the headboard carvings even though you are using a modern 10” – 12” depth mattress. The original Victorian mattresses would have only been 2” – 3” deep.
Condition Report:
This bed is in excellent original condition, which is commensurate with its age. Some nominal old use marks to the leading edges but nothing significant considering the age of the item. This bed retains the original polish, which is why the bed boasts a rich colour and patination; it is impossible to re-create this colour if it has been re-polished. The bed is constructed of solid teak. The bed is well constructed, solid in joint and is ready to use.
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.
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