ITEM SW00875: A Federal, Classical, Carved Mahogany and Pine Four-post
Bedstead, New York, c.1815

Rarely does one find a truly Classical four post bed. This bed has the seldom seen New York Phyfe style paw foot. It is the form used by Phyfe and his contemporaries that is much desired in New York Classical furniture. See the detail attached with the slender ankle and the acanthus carving above the foot (see detail). There is carving, of course, on the upper front posts, where, at one time, the upper post was cut and later reattached. This cut is barely noticeable as it is a faint line around the column which has been pegged and put back together beautifully. This bed is somewhat earlier, c.1815, in that even the finest early beds had back posts which are not carved, as they often were covered by fabric over the headboard. This bed has been converted to a queen size accommodating the standard mattress. However, the original headboard and rails have been retained separately such that this bed can be converted back to its original smaller size. The new headboard, unlike the original, which were always pine, is constructed of highly figured solid mahogany.

This bed is a fine example with robust columns and is descended in the Schuyler family of Albany, New York. The surface is an old, first crackle surface, which has been waxed.

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Height: 89 3/4 in. Length: 88 1/2 in. Depth: 64 1/2 in.
Siderails: 80 1/2