Although iron beds were made throughout the 1800’s, way before the Deco period of 1920 thru the 1930’s, there were beds being manufactured in the early to mid 1800’s that had a definite Art Deco look to them. I have to believe whoever designed these “before their time” beds , was definitely marching to a different drummer.
This particular bed has incredibly detailed castings which must weigh a ton. It is extremely heavy, due to the size and weight of these unique castings. Although Victorian beds that were being made at this time usually had an abundance of scrolls and curved iron . This bed has no signs of its Victorian heritage.
The Deco Period was one of sleek modern lines. This one is perfectly suited for the Deco Period, which would not become popular for close to 75 years after it was made.
The only way to establish the time period in which this bed was made, is by looking at the “hitches”. The hitches on a bed is the connection point that the side rails drop into and self tighten. Beds from the Victorian period have a
“hitch” with a definite cylindrical shape. The opposite of that shape is cast on the end of the side rail so when placed in the hitch will self tighten. This ” drop” in design of the side rails to the head and foot board is better than any rail system since.
I hope you’ve found this blog informative . I invite you to revisit my website
to answer any and all questions you might have about antique iron beds.
I also invite you to take a look at the multiple “Before & After” photo’s on our company Facebook at
http://www.facebook.com/ – %21/pages/Cathouse-Antique-Iron-Beds/126838177398
