Antique 6ft” Victorian Anglo Indian Colonial Raj Super King Four Poster Bed (Circa 1860)

Here is a stunning quality and exceptionally rare antique 6ft wide Victorian colonial Raj super king four-poster bed, circa 1860, in excellent original condition.

Summary:
• Circa: 1860
• Period: Victorian
• Provenance: India
• Wood: Sissoo (member of the Rosewood family)
• Mattress size: 6ft wide by 6ft 6” long
• Will fit a standard UK super king size mattress
• Luxury quality mattresses available
• Single tier structure
• Protruding moulded canopy
• Four elegant ring turned posts
• Floral fretwork crown
• Moulded side rails & frame
• Ring turned & beaded headboard spindles
• Stunning quality carvings
• Ring turned footboard rail with central baluster
• Turned baluster legs with blind fretwork carvings
• Dismantles for easy transportation and access
• Original polish & patination
• Rich dark red & brown colour
• Excellent original condition
• Muslin draping service available
• Free delivery to England, Wales & southern Scotland*
• Free 14 days UK returns policy

Description:
Here is a stunning quality and exceptionally rare antique 6ft wide Victorian colonial Raj super king four-poster bed, circa 1860, in excellent original condition, originating from colonial India. This bed will fit a standard UK super king size mattress size (6ft wide by 6ft 6” long) with the slats at the original height (please see section “Lowering the Slats” below for further information). The bed incorporates a single-tier structure, with a bank of ring turned and beaded spindles below a pierced carved floral fretwork dome and arched headboard. The carved fretwork detail to the bed is spectacular; this is evident in the floral design on the crown; along with blind fretwork detail at the base of the posts, the baluster legs and footboard. The bed incorporates moulded side rails and rails to the head and footboard. To the bottom of the bed, the single-tier footboard incorporates a horizontal turned and tapered rail, decorated with an elegant oval carved central piece. Above the bed frame, four elegant ring turned tapered posts support a protruding moulded canopy. Decorative blind fretwork carvings sit at the top and bottom of the posts. The bed is raised on ring turned and reeded baluster legs, which are also decorated with stunning blind fretwork detail. 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 (a member of the Rosewood family) 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 luxury quality custom mattresses. This is a superior quality centrepiece for any bedroom and 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 = 212cm or 83½” or 6ft 11½”
External length = 229cm or 90⅛” or 7ft 6⅛”
External width = 198cm or 78” or 6ft 6”
Headboard height (including Crown) = 155cm or 61” or 5ft 1”
Headboard height (excluding Crown) = 115.5cm or 45½” or 3ft 9½”
Footboard height (centre) = 93cm or 36⅝” or 3ft 0⅝”
Height from floor to top of side rails = 52cm or 20½” or 1ft 8½”
Height from floor to bottom of side rails = 39cm or 15⅜” or 1ft 3⅜”
Side rail depth = 13cm or 5⅛”

Mattress Dimensions (slats not lowered):
Length = 203.5cm or 80⅛” or 6ft 8⅛” (maximum opening)
Width (slats) = 181cm or 71¼” or 5ft 11¼” (maximum opening)
Width (including side rails) = 189.5cm or 74⅝” or 6ft 2⅝” (maximum opening)

Mattress Dimensions (slats lowered):
Length = 203.5cm or 80⅛” or 6ft 8⅛” (maximum opening)
Width = 177.5cm or 69⅞” or 5ft 9⅞” (maximum opening)

Condition Report:
This bed is in excellent original 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 wide 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. A261