Low post bedstead

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Status

On view

Date1740-1760

Maker Unknown

Medium/TechniqueMahogany, iron

DimensionsOverall (H x W x D): 34 5/8 in. × 51 1/2 in. × 71 1/4 in. (87.95 cm × 130.81 cm × 180.98 cm)

Credit LineAcquired through the generosity of the Connoisseur Society of Mount Vernon, 2014

Object numberM-5341

DescriptionLow post bedstead with headboard, footboard, and two side rails. The corner posts are turned with a tapered leg below the rail, a turned baluster above the rail, and a flattened ball finial. Each rail has two evenly spaced grooves along the exterior face, and the stay rails are fluted on both sides. The headboard and footboard are decorated with baluster-turned split-spindles that are morticed and tenoned into the rails, with the turned side facing outward from the bedstead. A rabbet is let into each of the four rails to allow the linen of a sacking bottom to be tacked to the rails. Many rose-head tacks survive along the bottom surface of the bracket. At some point the tacking bottom was removed and replaced by ropes. Holes are drilled into the rails to accommodate the ropes. The holes are later, but early additions, likely made when the original sacking bottom was replaced.

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