One of the most utilitarian iron beds ever made was the “campaign bed”. “Campaign’s” derivation comes from a series of military operations intended to achieve a particular objective, confined to a particular area, or involving a specified type of fighting, an organized course of action to achieve a particular goal. These “campaigns” as they were know by, today, would be considered the expansion of a particular political or religious school of thought, usually through aggressive military actions.
On these campaigns, the soldiers and individuals that were involved obviously required a place to sleep…….and it had to be semi-comfortable and easily transportable. The “campaign bed”, gave them exactly that. It was strong and sturdy. Easily broken down to move and transport and in the instance of the one in this photo……very lite.
Iron beds were the norm back at this time so it was only natural that some similar form of bed would accompany troops on these “campaigns”.
Although rather impractical for modern use today, the collectibility and rarity of original campaign beds, have grown at an alarming rate.
Most beds that are being sought after today have a much more practical application for everyday use…..either as their original double size or converted to accommodate modern queen and king size mattresses.
Well over half of all the antique iron beds that are still around today and being used, have been converted to queen or king size . Few people still use double size , other than possibly in a child’s room or small guest bedroom.
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 our company Face Book page for multiple photo albums on Custom Finishes, Canopy Conversions and a comprehensive “Before & After” King Conversions album.
