Images(13)

Camp bedstead, folding

Date1770-1815

OriginAmerica or England

MediumAmerica beech throughout except for headboard which is red pine. Linen (flax).

DimensionsOH (just posts): 45"; OW: 37"; OL: 73 1/2"; H (folded): 10 1/2"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1954-381

DescriptionFolding bed with hinged legs, posts and side rails; all four posts turned above rails and topped with iron pins for tester frame; "Square" at rails with bulbous turned legs terminating in high cylindrical feet; arched headboard with "L" shaped pin at either end which hooks into eyescrew on each headpost; all four rails "square" in section, rabbeted on inside edge, "Square" folding medial cross brace which notches into side rails under sacking; tester frame made up of four rectangular members topped at each corner by flattened ball finial topped with knob (tester frame and finials are modern).

The sacking bottom is made with flax.

The orange-red stripes were made by painting the fibers with a paint made with red lead pigment in oil. The darker gray stripes were made by painting the fibers with a dark paint made with carbon black. The paint was applied to the fibers before weaving.
ProvenanceAccording to dealer acquired from Ladd House in Wickford, Rhode Island.