Antique 5ft 7” Victorian Anglo Indian Colonial King Size Four Poster Bed (Circa 1880)

Summary:
• Circa: 1880
• Period: Victorian
• Provenance: India
• Wood: Sissoo (member of the Rosewood family)
• Mattress size: 5ft 7” wide by 6ft 9” long (maximum size)
• Affordable luxury quality mattresses available
• Superior two-tier structure
• Protruding moulded canopy
• Four elegant barley twist posts
• Grape vine & floral carved mirrored crown
• Blind fretwork bed side rails & frame – sign of quality
• Ring turned spindles
• Stunning quality carvings
• Ring turned footboard rail with spindles
• Turned baluster legs
• Dismantles for easy transportation and access
• Original polish & patination
• Rich dark red & brown colour
• Good condition
• Muslin draping service available
• Free delivery to England, Wales & southern Scotland*
• Free 14 days UK returns policy

Here is a fabulous quality large antique 5ft 7” wide Victorian colonial Raj king size four-poster bed, boasting the original polish, circa 1880, originating from colonial India. This bed will fit a mattress size up to 5ft 7” wide by 6ft 9” long. However, it will hold a standard UK king size mattress (which measures 5ft wide by 6ft 6” long), if the slats are lowered. The bed boasts a two-tier structure, which is superior in quality than that of a single tier design. The bed also boasts a single panel carved headboard depicting grapevines and flowers, flanked by ring turned spindles below an arched 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 rectangular panel, which sits below the crown. The crown also incorporates a pretty oval small mirror, flanked by beaded frame.

Decorative blind fretwork detail is visible to the side rails and rails, along with the headboard and rails. To the bottom of the bed, the two-tier footboard incorporates multiple ring-turned spindles below a horizontal ring turned rail. 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 ring turned baluster 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 mid satin polish finish. The bed is constructed of sissoo wood (a member of the Rosewood family) 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 centrepiece for any bedroom and ideal for those who prefer a wider bed.

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 = 221.7cm or 87¼” or 7ft 3¼
External length = 236cm or 92⅞” or 7ft 8⅞”
External width = 180.5cm or 71” or 5ft 11”
Headboard height (including Crown) = 175.8cm or 69¼” or 5ft 9¼”
Headboard height (excluding Crown) = 131cm or 51⅝” or 4ft 3⅝”
Footboard height = 100.5cm or 39½” or 3ft 3½”
Height from floor to top of side rails = 60cm or 23⅝” or 1ft 11⅝
Height from floor to bottom of side rails = 47.1cm or 18½” or 1ft 6½”
Side rail depth = 12.9cm or 5”

Mattress Dimensions (slats not lowered):
Length = 211.7cm or 83⅜ or 6ft 11⅜ (maximum opening)
Width (slats) = 162cm or 63¾” or 5ft 3¾” (maximum opening)
Width (including side rails) = 170cm or 67” or 5ft 7” (maximum opening)

Mattress Dimensions (slats lowered):
Length = 211.7cm or 83⅜” or 6ft 11⅜” (maximum opening)
Width = 158.3cm or 62⅜” or 5ft 2⅜” (maximum opening)

This bed will fit a standard UK king size mattress (which measures 5ft wide by 6ft 6” long), if the slats are lowered. This may be an option if you already own a king size mattress. 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 Colonial four poster 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. Some minor foxing to the original glass mirror. The bed is constructed of sissoo wood (a member of the Rosewood family) 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. A251