Summary:
• Circa: 1910
• Period: Edwardian
• Provenance: India
• Mahogany
• Mattress size: 6ft 6” wide by 6ft 10” long
• Fits a standard UK super king mattress
• Superior single-tier structure
• Stepped design
• Oval shaped lattice work panels
• Moulded headboard & footboard
• Carved side rails
• Floral carved oval bolt caps
• Acanthus leaf knee carvings
• Ball & claw feet
• Dismantles for easy transportation
• Affordable luxury quality mattresses available
• Original polish & patination
• Rich warm brown colour
• Very good condition
• 14-day free UK returns policy
Here is a fine quality antique 6ft 6” wide Edwardian colonial Raj mahogany super king bed, circa 1910, in good original condition, originating from colonial India. This bed will fit a standard UK super king size mattress (6ft wide by 6ft 6” long). Constructed of solid mahogany, the bed incorporates a single tier structure, with a moulded headboard and footboard frame, with a stepped top rail design. The headboard and footboard incorporates three latticework oval shaped panels, secured by shaped supports and moulded vertical rails. The design is mirrored in both the headboard and footboard, although the headboard stands taller than the footboard. The bed features elegant sweeping side rails; finished with fine acanthus leaf carvings. The bed is raised on cabriole legs, displaying acanthus leaf carvings to the knees, which terminate on ball and claw feet. This is an extremely solid, stable and heavy bed.
Retaining the original polish and patination, the bed boasts a mellow warm brown colour, with a mid satin polish finish. This bed would look stunning in either a contemporary or traditional setting. It dismantles for easy transportation (four large 12” long steel bolts) and we can provide hand made luxury 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 depicts 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, mahogany and sissoo wood were used extensively in the construction of these colonial 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 = 109cm or 43” or 3ft 7”
External length = 235.5cm or 92¾” or 7ft 8¾”
External width = 202.5cm or 79¾” or 6ft 7¾”
Headboard height = 109cm or 42⅞” or 3ft 6⅞”
Footboard height = 102.7cm or 40⅜” or 3ft 4⅜”
Height from floor to top of side rails = 45cm or 17¾” or 1ft 5¾”
Height from floor to bottom of side rails = 27.8cm or 11”
Side rail depth = 17.3cm or 6⅞”
Mattress Dimensions (slats not lowered):
Length = 213.5cm or 84” or 7ft max
Width (slats) = 189.5cm or 74⅝” or 6ft 2⅝” max
Width (including side rails) = 198.5cm or 78” or 6ft 6” max
Mattress Dimensions (slats lowered):
Length = 213.5cm or 84” or 7ft max
Width = 186cm or 73¼” or 6ft 1¼” max
This bed will fit a standard UK super king size mattress, which is 6ft wide by 6ft 6” long. The mattress shown on the bed in the picture is a UK double mattress.
Condition Report:
This bed is in good original 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, boasts a mellow warm dark red and brown colour, with a light satin polish finish. The bed boasts its original polish; this is why the colour and patination displayed, is stunning (furniture that has been re-polished cannot recreate this colour). The bed is made from solid mahogany. This 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.