Late Victorian Ornate Brass Bedstead with Cast Scrollwork Medallions, c. 1890s View Watchlist >
Seller Accepts Credit Cards
Payment and pickup instructions will be available on your invoice (under "My Account") at the conclusion of this auction.
Lot # F180
System ID # 28942101
Start Date
End Date
3 Watching
Late Victorian Ornate Brass Bedstead with Cast Scrollwork Medallions, c. 1890s
A substantial late Victorian bedstead in the ornate style that defined American bedroom furnishings at the turn of the twentieth century — brass tubing wrapped over an iron core, with solid cast brass ornamentation at the finials, knobs, and decorative medallions. The headboard and footboard each carry paired oval rings flanking turned columnar spindles, with cast scrollwork cartouches of foliate and floral design mounted at the centers. Ball finials cap heavy turned posts at all four corners, and the original brass casters remain in place and functional. Side rails are iron, retaining their hook-and-bracket attachment hardware, and a set of wooden support slats is included.
The construction matches the documented method used by Foster Brothers of Utica, New York and its many American competitors during the 1880s–1910s: brass sheet wrapped and seamed over iron tubing for the structural members, with solid cast brass used for finials, knobs, and applied ornament. Foster Bros. — founded 1871, slogan "Made in Utica For the Rest of the World" — ceased brass bed production by 1916, and wartime brass drives during WWII melted down a significant portion of surviving examples. Ornate double-size bedsteads of this character are the most sought-after survivors of the type.
CONDITION
Good overall with age-appropriate wear throughout. Brass surfaces show fading, oxidation, and verdigris at the cast ornament; one finial shows a soft dent and surface scuffing (see supplemental references). Iron rails show rust and finish loss. Casters are functional. Damage noted to the bottom of one component. Wooden slats are included and serviceable.
DIMENSIONS / SPECIFICATIONS
- Overall: 78" L × 53 1/2" W × 40 1/2" H
- Headboard 59" W × 46" H
- Footboard:: 59" W × 40 1/2" H
- Mattress Size: Full / Double
- Construction: Brass-wrapped iron tubing with solid cast brass ornament
- Hardware: Original brass ball finials, cast scrollwork medallions, functional casters
- Side Rails: Iron with hook-and-bracket attachment
- Slats: Wooden support slats included
- Mattress & Bedding: Sold Separately
- Period: c. 1890s–1910s
