What is a half tester bed?

A half tester bed features a canopy extending only over the upper portion of the bed from the headboard, rather than over the entire length like a full four-poster bed. Popular during the 19th century, this design provided warmth and privacy while requiring less fabric draping than full canopy beds.

How were Victorian brass beds constructed?

Victorian brass beds were typically constructed using cast brass joints over iron frames or solid turned brass tubing assembled with screw-threaded rods. Heavy cast brass mounts, decorative balusters, and ornate finials were attached to provide structural stability and visual detail.

How can you identify an authentic antique brass bed?

Authentic antique brass beds feature hand-turned brass components, cast joints, and considerable weight compared to modern hollow reproductions. Original pieces often display stamped makers marks or registration plates near the iron side rail cast fittings, alongside genuine patination.

How do you style a Victorian brass bed in a modern bedroom?

Balance the substantial metal frame by using crisp, neutral bed linen and subtle textured fabrics to highlight the brass work. Pairing the bed with minimalist wall treatments or understated contemporary nightstands prevents the room from feeling overly cluttered.

How should antique brass furniture be maintained?

To preserve original patination, clean the brass with a soft microfibre cloth and avoid abrasive polishes or chemical cleaners. A thin application of non-acidic microcrystalline wax can be applied periodically to protect the metal surface from tarnishing and humidity.

for sale €10,472 $11,367

£8,950

London City Antiques

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Id #SA1233265

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Antique Victorian Exhibition Quality Solid Brass Half Tester Double Bed

Name: Antique Victorian Exhibition Quality Solid Brass Half Tester Double Bed
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1233265
Price: 8950 GBP
Availability: InStock

19th century

For Sale by London City Antiques

Description

A magnificent exhibition-quality antique Victorian solid brass half tester bed, dating to circa 1860 and of exceptional quality, scale and decorative impact. The elaborate polished brass framework features substantial turned column posts, finely cast decorative details and an impressive architectural head and foot, creating a spectacular statement piece for a principal bedroom.

The tall headboard is upholstered in a neutral floral fabric and surmounted by an exceptionally ornate brass half tester with turned spindles, scrolling foliate details and projecting swing-out side wings. A half tester was designed to support decorative drapery or curtains above and around the head of the bed, creating the luxurious appearance of a traditional four-poster bed while leaving the foot of the bed open. The hinged brass side wings can therefore be dressed with fabric if desired or left uncovered to fully display the beautiful brasswork.

The footboard is equally impressive, with substantial turned brass corner posts and an intricate arrangement of turned spindles, rails and scrolling decorative details. The bed retains its original iron side rails and dismantles into sections, making it suitable for UK and international shipping.

This is a standard UK double bed, designed to accommodate a mattress approximately 135 × 190 cm (4 ft 6 in × 6 ft 3 in). For American buyers, this is closest to a US Full/Double mattress, which measures approximately 137 × 191 cm (54 × 75 in). As antique bed dimensions can vary slightly, we recommend confirming the exact internal mattress space before ordering a mattress, particularly for an overseas installation.

The upholstered headboard panel can very easily be recovered to complement a new interior scheme. We can arrange professional re-upholstery using a fabric selected from our range or a customer's own fabric. Alternatively, the simple upholstered panel construction makes it straightforward for the purchaser or their own upholsterer to recover after delivery.

A truly exceptional Victorian brass bed, combining remarkable craftsmanship with an extraordinarily decorative design. Its scale, intricate brasswork and rare half tester form make it a spectacular centrepiece for both traditional and contemporary interiors.

Condition Report

Excellent antique condition with minor age-related marks and wear consistent with age and use. The brass has a wonderful warm polished finish and the decorative elements present beautifully. The bed retains its original iron side rails. The existing upholstered headboard is in good condition and can easily be recovered if required.

Dimensions

Height: 226 cm (89 in)

Width: 142 cm (55.9 in)

Depth: 208 cm (81.9 in)

Footboard Height: 115 cm (45.3 in)

Mattress Size: UK Double – approximately 135 × 190 cm (53.1 × 74.8 in)

Closest US Size: Full/Double – approximately 137 × 191 cm (54 × 75 in)

Date: Circa 1860

Origin: England

Available for UK and international shipping.

Physical Dimensions

Height

226cm (88.98")

Width

142cm (55.91")

Depth

208cm (81.89")

Declaration

London City Antiques has dated this Victorian Brass Tester Bed to the 1860s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1233265

Dealers Internal Reference

3223

Dealers Notes

Find our large selection at www.londoncityantiques.co.uk

Please feel free to contact us should you have any questions regarding this item. We are always happy to provide additional information, further photographs or videos.

At London City Antiques we specialise in fine antique furniture and decorative pieces and hold an extensive and constantly changing collection. With many years of experience in the antiques trade we take great care in accurately describing each item and ensuring it is presented and delivered to the highest standard.

We can arrange competitive UK and international shipping and work with trusted specialist couriers who regularly transport antiques worldwide. Please contact us for a shipping quotation.

All pieces shipped internationally are supplied with an official Antique Declaration for customs purposes. Antiques over 100 years old are exempt from import duty when entering the USA and generally attract a reduced rate of duty when imported from the UK into most European countries.

Buy with confidence — every piece is carefully inspected and professionally packed to ensure it arrives safely.

Description

The tall headboard is upholstered in a neutral floral fabric and surmounted by an exceptionally ornate brass half tester with turned spindles, scrolling foliate details and projecting swing-out side wings. A half tester was designed to support decorative drapery or curtains above and around the head of the bed, creating the luxurious appearance of a traditional four-poster bed while leaving the foot of the bed open.

“

The hinged brass side wings can therefore be dressed with fabric if desired or left uncovered to fully display the beautiful brasswork.

London City Antiques

fig 1. An antique Victorian solid brass half tester double bed featuring turned posts, spindle balusters, cast decorative mounts, and an upholstered floral panel. — fig 1. Antique Victorian Exhibition Quality Solid Brass Half Tester Double Bed

The footboard is equally impressive, with substantial turned brass corner posts and an intricate arrangement of turned spindles, rails and scrolling decorative details. The bed retains its original iron side rails and dismantles into sections, making it suitable for UK and international shipping.

fig 2. An antique Victorian solid brass half tester double bed featuring turned posts, spindle balusters, cast decorative mounts, and an upholstered floral panel. — fig 2. Antique Victorian Exhibition Quality Solid Brass Half Tester Double Bed

This is a standard UK double bed, designed to accommodate a mattress approximately 135 × 190 cm (4 ft 6 in × 6 ft 3 in). For American buyers, this is closest to a US Full/Double mattress, which measures approximately 137 × 191 cm (54 × 75 in). As antique bed dimensions can vary slightly, we recommend confirming the exact internal mattress space before ordering a mattress, particularly for an overseas installation.

fig 3. An antique Victorian solid brass half tester double bed featuring turned posts, spindle balusters, cast decorative mounts, and an upholstered floral panel. — fig 3. Antique Victorian Exhibition Quality Solid Brass Half Tester Double Bed

The upholstered headboard panel can very easily be recovered to complement a new interior scheme. We can arrange professional re-upholstery using a fabric selected from our range or a customer's own fabric. Alternatively, the simple upholstered panel construction makes it straightforward for the purchaser or their own upholsterer to recover after delivery.

fig 4. An antique Victorian solid brass half tester double bed featuring turned posts, spindle balusters, cast decorative mounts, and an upholstered floral panel. — fig 4. Antique Victorian Exhibition Quality Solid Brass Half Tester Double Bed

A truly exceptional Victorian brass bed, combining remarkable craftsmanship with an extraordinarily decorative design. Its scale, intricate brasswork and rare half tester form make it a spectacular centrepiece for both traditional and contemporary interiors.

fig 5. An antique Victorian solid brass half tester double bed featuring turned posts, spindle balusters, cast decorative mounts, and an upholstered floral panel. — fig 5. Antique Victorian Exhibition Quality Solid Brass Half Tester Double Bed

Condition Report

Excellent antique condition with minor age-related marks and wear consistent with age and use. The brass has a wonderful warm polished finish and the decorative elements present beautifully. The bed retains its original iron side rails. The existing upholstered headboard is in good condition and can easily be recovered if required.