Antique 4ft 6” Victorian Anglo Indian Colonial Raj Double Four Poster Bed (Circa 1880)

Summary:
• Circa: 1870
• Period: Victorian
• Provenance: India
• Wood: Sissoo
• Maximum mattress opening: 4ft 7⅞” wide by 6ft 9½” long
• Will fit a standard UK double mattress (4ft 6” wide x 6ft 3” long)
• Luxury quality custom mattresses available
• Single tier structure
• Protruding moulded canopy
• Moulded canopy & rails
• Four elegant barley twist posts
• Floral carved crown
• Foliate carvings to headboard
• Single floral carved panel & spindle headboard
• Ring turned footboard rail with spindles
• Moulded side rails & frame
• Stunning quality carvings
• Turned & floral carved baluster legs
• Dismantles for easy transportation and access
• Original polish & patination
• Rich dark red & brown colour
• Good original condition
• Muslin draping service available
• Free delivery to England, Wales & southern Scotland*
• Free 14 days UK returns policy

Description:
Here is a fine quality antique 4ft 6” wide Victorian colonial Raj double four-poster bed, boasting the original polish, circa 1870, originating from colonial India. This bed will therefore fit a standard UK double mattress size (4ft 6” wide by 6ft 3” long) if the slats are not lowered (please see section “Lowering the Slats” below for further information). The maximum mattress opening is 4ft 7⅞”wide by 6ft 9½” long; therefore we could supply a longer mattress than 6ft 3” if preferred. The bed incorporates a single-tier structure, with a singe carved floral panel headboard, flanked by a bank of ring turned spindles below an arched moulded headboard, with a floral carved crown that sits above. The bed incorporates moulded side rails and rails to the head and footboard. To the bottom of the bed, the single-tier footboard incorporates multiple ring-turned spindles below a horizontal moulded rail. Above the bed frame, four barley twist tapered posts support a protruding moulded canopy. The bed terminates on ring turned baluster legs. The superstructure lends itself to being dressed with romantic fabric drapes.

Retaining the original polish and patination, the bed boasts a rich dark red brown colour, with a mid satin French polish finish. The bed is constructed of sissoo wood and has a superior structure. This bed would look stunning in either a contemporary or traditional setting. It dismantles for easy transportation and we can provide affordable good quality custom mattresses. This is a superior quality centrepiece for any bedroom and is ideal for those who prefer a wider bed.

Provenance:
The style of these beds dates from 1840 until 1947 (until Indian Independence). The beds were constructed for the British Raj, their families and the British Military in Colonial India. The beds were designed to collapse and be transported “flat pack” so could easily be moved whilst on military exercises and to their summerhouses in the hills. They were made when the Raj was at its height. The size, style and quality of the bed depict the status of the occupier or the military rank of the owner. They were made from the finest wood usually Mahogany, Teak or Sissoo wood (a member of the rose wood family).

Teak and sissoo wood were used extensively in the construction of these colonial four-poster beds because they had the advantage of only minimally expanding and contracting when exposed to extremes in temperature and humidity. They were resistant to woodworm, termites, and the occasional splash of seawater.

External Dimensions:
External Height = 196.5cm or 77⅜” or 6ft 5⅜”
External length (canopy) = 224cm or 88⅛” or 7ft 4⅛”
External width (canopy) = 153cm or 60¼” or 5ft 0¼”
External width (bed frame) = 150.5cm or 59¼” or 4ft 11¼”
Headboard height (including Crown) = 132.5cm or 52⅛” or 4ft 4⅛”
Headboard height (excluding Crown) = 106.5cm or 41⅞” or 3ft 5⅞”
Footboard height = 81cm or 31⅞” or 2ft 7⅞”
Height from floor to top of side rails = 56cm or 22” or 1ft 10”
Height from floor to bottom of side rails = 46.5cm or 18¼” or 1ft 6¼”
Side rail depth = 9.5cm or 3¾”
Side rail length = 198cm or 77⅞” or 6ft 5⅞”

Maximum Mattress Opening (slats not lowered):
Length = 207cm or 81½” or 6ft 9½”
Width (slats) = 135cm or 53⅛” or 4ft 5⅛”
Width (including side rails) = 142cm or 55⅞” or 4ft 7⅞”

Maximum Mattress Opening (slats lowered):
Length = 207cm or 81½” or 6ft 9½”
Width = 132.6cm or 52¼” or 4ft 4¼”

Condition Report:
This bed is in good condition, which is commensurate with its age. Some nominal old use marks to the leading edges and polish but nothing significant considering the age of the item. This bed, which retains the original polish and patination, boasts a rich dark brown colour, with a light satin French polish finish. It is extremely difficult to replicate this colour and patination with furniture that has been re-polished. The bed is constructed of solid sissoo wood and boasts a superior structure. The bed is well constructed, solid in joint and ready to use.

Terms & Conditions:
Before you purchase this item, please ensure you have read and are in agreement with our Terms & Conditions of Sale. If you have any questions regarding our Terms & Conditions of Sale, please contact us to discuss them, before purchasing this item.

Ref. A278