We came across this incredibly heavy and beautiful antique iron bed, down in the Baton Rouge area of Louisiana. There were foundries in Baton Rouge that were credited with producing the beautiful ornate filigree, banisters, railings and grill work that is seen throughout the French Quarter of New Orleans even today.They were also credited with some of the more beautiful iron beds being made.
There were three area’s of the country, back in the early and mid 1800’s that were known for the production of iron beds. The first two were Pittsburgh and Chicago. Both because of the steel mills that were located in those towns. Baton Rouge happened to have been one of the southern most towns, on the Mississippi River that received goods from up north on barges. Iron ore and steel tubing happened to have been one of those raw goods. There were foundries in Baton Rouge that were credited with producing the beautiful ornate filigree, banisters, railings and grill work that is seen throughout the French Quarter of New Orleans even today. These small independently owned foundries were also responsible for some of the more ornate iron beds I’ve ever come across. These particular beds usually had a strong French influence in their design because of the French that had settled throughout the area. This particular bed has a definite French influence.
Although this particular iron bed is really one of the better ones from the early to mid-1800’s, it was not a particularly practical iron bed for mass production because of it’s weight. The headboard weighed close to 150 lbs and the footboard was equally as heavy. Because of its weight and initial cost to the public, few were made and probably dropped from the selection of beds the particular foundry that made it, offered their customers.
But if you come across one today……… don’t pass it up. It’s collectability and appreciable value will surpass anything in your portfolio.
Hope you’ve enjoyed this Blog installment and hope you’ll take the time to go back to our website and see what Cathouse Antique Iron Beds can offer you.
