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2024-244, Bedstead
High Post Bedstead
2024-244, Bedstead

High Post Bedstead

Date1780-1820
OriginAmerica, Virginia, Norfolk
MediumMahogany, yellow pine (modern) and iron
DimensionsOH: 90”; OW: 60 ¼”; OL: 82 ¼”
Credit LineGift of Helen Don
Object number2024-244
DescriptionHigh Post bedstead with four turned posts; all legs blocked at rails with tapered cylindrical leg with a tapered, cylindrical therm foot below; foot posts turned above rail with vase shaped element and elongated baluster above vase; all topped by turned ring and collar and an iron pin in the top of the post; columnar head posts topped by turned ring and collar and iron pin, also have inscribed lines at top and mid-point of headboard; square rails with rabbet along inside edge of top face with turned wooden pegs for ropes; shaped and scrolled headboard with applied turned bosses at scrolls; vertical, narrow, applied board at center, topped with plinth and acorn finial (headboard likely replaced); modern pine tester lath, lapped at corners over top of iron pins of posts.Label TextBedsteads with histories are extremely rare, especially ones from Virginia. This Tidewater example descended in the Talbot family of Talbot Hall in Norfolk and was likely made by a local turner and cabinetmaker. While uncarved, the vase shape of the footposts indicate this was a high style object. When dressed with all of their textiles, beds were typically the most expensive items on an individual’s probate inventory. That value was primarily due to the imported textiles used for the curtains rather than the wooden elements. (The modern L brackets were added by descendants to hold a modern mattress.)Mark(s)Roman numerals inscribed on posts at mortises and tenons of rails.ProvenanceDescended in the Talbot family of Talbot Hall, Norfolk, VA to Caroline Brackenridge Talbot [1925-2024] (Williamsburg, VA); 2024, given to The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (Williamsburg, VA).