High post bedstead

Date1760-1790

MediumMahogany, red oak (by microscopic id), maple, white pine

DimensionsOH: 81 1/2"; OL: 75"; OW: 59 1/2"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1967-530

DescriptionHigh Post Bed. Front posts in the form of an elongated Doric column with 12 flutes, a capital at the top surmounted by a square in section block and a base; column on a block square in section; bold uncarved cabriole legs with claw and ball feet; the claws swept backwards; bottom of each foot includes two holes, one for the position in the turning of the column, another for the turning of the leg section; back posts square in section, taper outward from top to bottom and retain original mahogany stain; top of headboard slopes downward from a central point with quarter round molding at front edge, straight across bottom, and front and back with original brown graining; all rails original, square in section, and sides and foot rail retain original canvas strips with eyelets for lacing of canvas, the strips secured by original nails set into a leather strip; the back top corner of the head rail finished with a quarter round molding.

Woods: The foot posts are mahogany, the head posts red oak, all rails and the headboard are maple, stained to resemble mahogany, and the tester frame is white pine.
MarkingsRoman numerals on rails and posts.
ProvenanceAccording to tradition, this bed descended in the Potter family of Kingston, Rhode Island; Harry Arons, Bridgeport, Conn.; R.T. Trump & Co. Inc., Philadelphia.