Summary:
• Circa: 1880
• Period: Victorian
• Provenance: India
• Wood: Sissoo
• Mattress size: 5ft 7” wide by 6ft 9” long (maximum size)
• Affordable luxury quality mattresses available
• Protruding moulded canopy
• Four elegant barley twist posts
• Grape vine & floral carved crown
• Rope carved headboard top rail
• Grape vine carved fretwork headboard splats
• Floral carved turned spindles to headboard & footboard
• Blind fretwork bed side rails & frame – sign of quality
• Stunning quality carvings
• Barley twist turned footboard rail with spindles & floral central carving
• Turned floral carved legs
• Dismantles for easy transportation and access
• Original polish & patination
• Rich dark red & brown colour
• Excellent original condition
• Draping service available
• Free delivery to England, Wales & southern Scotland*
• Free 14 days UK returns policy
Description:
Here is a fabulous quality large antique 5ft 7” wide Victorian colonial Raj king size four-poster bed, circa 1880, in excellent original condition, originating from India. The bed will fit a standard UK king size mattress (which measures 5ft wide by 6ft 6” long) if the slats are lowered. However, the bed will also fit a custom size mattress of up to 5ft 7” wide, if the mattress width incorporates the side rails. The bed boasts a three-panel carved headboard depicting grapevines and flowers, interspersed with turned floral carved spindles below an arched rope carved headboard. The carved open fretwork detail to the headboard and crown is spectacular; this is evident in the floral and grapevine carvings seen on the crown, and the three rectangular panels, which sit below the crown. The crown also incorporates a pretty oval central carving, depicting a single flower.
Decorative blind fretwork detail is visible to the side rails and rails, along with the foot-board. To the bottom of the bed, the foot-board incorporates a barley twist top rail with central floral carving, supported by turned floral carved spindles. Above the bed frame, four elegant barley twist tapered posts support a protruding moulded canopy. Decorative foliate motifs sit at the top and bottom of the posts. The bed terminates on turned floral carved legs. The superstructure lends itself to being dressed with romantic fabric drapes.
Retaining the original polish and patination, the bed boasts a rich dark rich red and brown colour, with a satin French polish finish. The 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 affordable good quality custom mattresses. This is a superior quality centre-piece for any bedroom and ideal for those who prefer a wider bed.
Provenance:
The style of this 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.
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 = 215.5cm or 84⅞” or 7ft ⅞”
External Width = 183cm or 72” or 6ft
External Length = 229.6cm or 78⅜” or 7ft 6⅜”
Headboard height (including Crown) = 157.3cm or 62” or 5ft 2”
Headboard height (excluding Crown) = 115.6cm or 45½” or 3ft 9½”
Footboard height = 89cm or 35” or 2ft 11”
Height from floor to top of side rails = 58.8cm or 23⅛” or 1ft 11⅛”
Height from floor to bottom of side rails = 45.5cm or 17⅞” or 1ft 5⅞”
Side rail depth = 13.3cm or 60¼” or 5ft ¼”
Mattress Dimensions (slats not lowered):
Length = 206.6cm or 81⅜” or 6ft 9⅜” (maximum opening)
Width (slats) = 163.8cm or 64½” or 5ft 4½” (maximum opening)
Width (including side rails) = 172cm or 67¾” or 5ft 7¾” (maximum opening)
Mattress Dimensions (slats lowered):
Length = 206.6cm or 81⅜” or 6ft 9⅜” (maximum opening)
Width = 160.2cm or 63⅛” or 5ft 3⅛” (maximum opening)
This colonial bed will fit a standard UK king size mattress (which measures 5ft wide by 6ft 6” long). The mattress shown on the bed in the pictures is a UK king size mattress. However, it is advised that a custom size mattress is supplied, as this will fit the bed frame more closely and maximise the mattress space. The actual dimensions of the custom mattress will depend on whether the slats are lowered or not.
Condition Report:
This bed is in good condition, which is commensurate with its age. Some nominal old use marks to the leading edges and polish but nothing significant considering the age of the item. This bed, which retains the original polish and patination, boasts a rich dark brown colour, with a light satin polish finish. It is extremely difficult to replicate this colour and patination with furniture that has been re-polished. The bed is constructed of sissoo wood and has a superior structure. The bed is well constructed, solid in joint and 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.
Ref. 39356 / A235