Images(10)

High Post BED

Date1750-1765

OriginEngland

MediumMahogany, red/scots pine (lathe frame), tulip poplar (modern), cypress (modern), and iron

DimensionsOH: 89 3/4"; OW: 77"; OD: 62"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1970-150,1-11

DescriptionHigh Post Bedstead; tapered cylindrical posts, head posts plain to blocked section at headboard and rail with inverted baluster foot below; rectangular headboard fits into open mortise in front of head posts; foot posts plain above molded collar, fluted below to blocked section at rails, shaped below rails terminating in hairy paw feet; detachable knee covers, which fit over a projecting screw in foot post, carved with C scrolls and central rocaille shell on knee; all feet have cators (replaced); side rails notched for 10 wooden slats; medial rail between head and foot rails; original wrought iron compass rod bolted to center of foot lath of tester frame (1970-150, 12-15), extensions of rod screw to ends of central rod and afix to iron L hooks on face of head posts.

Reproduction tester frame, compass rod, and carved cornice installed in 2003. Sides and foot of cornice shaped like a Cupid's bow with abstract foliate end and central abstract foliate element between the two molded bows. Cornice elements tenoned into top of lath frame. Cornice covered in reproduction blue and white copperplate printed cotton ("Bromley Hall", Brunschwig & Fils). Reproduction cornice adapted from cornice fragment 1964-223.
ProvenanceHam family of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, possibly Charles Ham c. 1750.
Vendor purchased the bed and chair from Mrs. Wielder who inherited them from her mother.