Images(3)

Crib Bedstead

Date1750-1770

OriginAmerica, Virginia

MediumMahogany

DimensionsOH: 43 1/4"; OW: 40 5/8"; OD: 21 7/8"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1995-15

DescriptionChild's cradle or crib bedstead. Four turned tall posts, blocked at feet, with open mortises for stretchers or rockers across ends, baluster shaped legs, blocked at junctions with bottom and top rails, columnar shape between blocks, round posts above top rails tapering towards top with ring and collar turned about four inches below top of posts; two stretchers between legs at ends, one replaced, one possibly original, perhaps cut down from a rocker, with evidence of a missing medial stretcher; bottom rails with molded outer top edges, side rails only with rabbit along inner top edges, presumably to hold slats (now missing); top rails with molded top edges; between top and bottom rails are columnar turned spindles, fifteen on sides, seven on ends. Construction is all mortise and tenon joints.
ProvenanceVendor reported that he acquired the cradle from dealer David Friedman, Susquehanna Antiques, Washington, DC. Friedman acquired the piece from dealer Lawrence Pearlmutter, Acanthus Antiques, 1661 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC. Friedman stated that the cradle had "a family history in northern Virginia."