Bed

Object Name:

Bed

Object ID:

1970.018.04

Place of Origin:

Central New Hampshire (probably)

Date:

1800-1850

Description:

Bed, Shaker-style, 10 pieces (including parts of another bed (single) that do not fit each other). Maple and other unidentified wood, with a red wash. The 10 pieces include: 2 head posts (marked E and F), 2 foot posts (marked G and H), 2 end rails (marked C and D), and 4 side rails (marked A, B, I, and J). Head posts (E, F, unidentified wood) are 29.75" high, 2.25" x 2.25" in cross section, turned, with a slightly convex finial; they each have 2 slots - one for the head board (7.9" high), and the other for the rail (3.4" high). Legs (below rails) are vase turnings with an incised line decoration. The feet have a drilled hole, probably for casters. There are incised Roman numerals beside each of the slots for each of the rails. Foot posts (G, H) are like the head posts, except have one slot (for rails), and are 21.75" high x 2.25" square.
The rails are all rock maple. "C" and "D" are a matched pair of end rails, and are 36.75" long, including tangs. They are 3.4" high x 3" deep. All 4 long edges are beveled. They have 5 drilled holes for ropes. The have tangs at both ends to fit into the slots of posts. Each tang has Roman numeral to correspond with posts. "I" and "J" is a matched pair of side rails (tangs for these are too big for posts). Including tangs, these rails are 74" long, 4" high x 3" deep. There are 9 drilled holes on each for rope. Each edge is beveled. "A" and "B" is another matched pair of side rails, and are 74" x 2.9" x 3.5". Each has 8 drilled holes; all 4 long edges are beveled; they have tangs in each end that fit into corner posts. There are no Roman numerals. "B" is sheared on one end and missing its tang.

Material:

Wood
Maple

Dimensions:

H-29.75 W-37.75 L-75 inches

Provenance:

From the collection of Arthur W. Stevens, thought to be Shaker made. Arthur Stevens, of Concord, NH, was donor's first husband. He was president/treasurer/manager of Concord Lumber Co., and bought up farms for the lumber. It is believed that this (and the other beds in this accession) came from one of those farms, most likely a farm house in Loudon which was full of antiques.

Credit Line:

Gift of Dorothy R. McNeilly, in memory of Arthur Webster Stevens

People:

Stevens, Arthur W. (1887-1962)