How do you date an antique bed?
How do you date an antique bed?
Examine the bed for an impression, trade mark or stamp that identifies the manufacturer. This mark may include a date of manufacture. If the maker is no longer in business, you can narrow the date of the bed to the time period before the manufacture closed.
When were cast iron beds made?
Iron beds were developed in 17th century Italy to address concerns about infestation by bed bugs and moths. An iron cradle (with dangerously pointed corner posts) has been dated to 1620-1640. From the start of their production in the 1850s until World War I, iron beds were handmade.
What are brass beds worth?
Antiques and reproduction brass beds were popular during the 1970s and ’80s. Of course that trend changed as people got used to the comfort and space offered by queen- and king-size mattresses. Your brass bed is worth about $300 to $500. These spoons are a fairly common, inexpensive pattern.
Why are old fashioned beds so high?
The old beds and even their wooden counterparts were elevated higher than what we’re use to today because of cold drafts that were close to the ground. The higher a bed could be constructed from the ground, the closer to the warmer air that collected at the ceiling it would be.
Are antique beds valuable?
Whether it’s antique king size beds to kit out a designer den or antique single beds for a unique guest room, antique beds are both a beautiful and valuable investment.
How do I know if my antique furniture is valuable?
Basically, look for irregular shaped joints. If the joints are perfect, then the piece is not truly old. If they are irregular, there is a greater chance that the furniture is old and potentially valuable.
Do antique beds have lead?
If your antique iron bed was purchased prior to 1977, you can pretty much count on it having lead based paint on it. Back in the 1800’s when these beauties were being made, lead based paint was pretty much used on all furniture and practically all iron beds of that period.
How do you date an antique brass bed?
To determine the age of your bed, first look for manufacturer markings (they’re usually on the frame). These markings will tell you where you bed was manufactured and by whom (as well as telling you, really, when).
How can you tell if it’s brass or bronze?
Perhaps the best way to distinguish between brass and bronze is through their color. Brass usually has a muted yellow shade, much like dull gold, which makes it a good material for furniture and fixtures. Bronze, on the other hand, looks almost always a reddish brown.
What did Roman beds look like?
The wealthier citizens of ancient Rome slept on raised beds made of metal, with woven metal supports to hold the feather or straw-stuffed mattress. Less-wealthy people had similar beds made from wood, with wool strings holding up the mattress. If you were poor, however, you still had to make do with a mat on the floor.
Why were old beds so short?
The beds were short because people slept sitting up. This was so they could have their weapons ready (swords most likely) and attack any nighttime intruders. The doors were low so that anyone coming in had to bend down when coming in. This made chopping their heads off much easier.
How can you tell how old furniture is?
Make sure to search for labels, stamps, or manufacturing tags that can tell when and where a piece was made. Furniture companies and makers often listed their names, locations, and year of production This information can be found on the inside of drawers, the backs of bureaus, and on the lower edges of pieces.