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ID #SA1244954
FOR SALE
£8,950
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Antique Victorian Exhibition Quality Solid Brass Half Tester Double Bed
For sale by London City Antiques
for sale €10,472     $11,367
£8,950
London City Antiques

London City Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Jun 2020
Browse dealers 1,260 items
  • About Us
    At london city antiques we specialise in fine english antiques
Id #SA1244954
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Antique Victorian Exhibition Quality Solid Brass Half Tester Double Bed

19th century
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.

Date of Manufacture

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

Independent Date Check ID 09714678
Dealer's Item Date1860s
Sellingantiques Date1860s
Sellingantiques agingItem 135-165 years old
Test ResultsPassed dating check
Why Sellingantiques dated this piece to THE 1860s:
Cast brass foliate brackets and collar turnings: Victorian decorative foundry work.
Black iron side rails with drop-in corner brackets: late nineteenth-century bed framing.
Hinged brass swing arms with integral curtain rings: designed for Victorian bed drapes.
Heavy gauge brass tubing with threaded joint assembly: substantial Victorian metalwork.

This is an independent date report produced by Sellingantiques using its own proprietary system. The process uses the photographs shown on this page. The system is never told the date the dealer has declared. This report shows that the two dates corroborate.

Physical Dimensions
Height
226cm (88.98")
Width
142cm (55.91")
Depth
208cm (81.89")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1244954
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
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.
London City Antiques
fig 1. An ornate Victorian solid brass half tester double bed featuring turned spindles, decorative finials, and an upholstered floral headboard 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 ornate Victorian solid brass half tester double bed featuring turned spindles, decorative finials, and an upholstered floral headboard 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 ornate Victorian solid brass half tester double bed featuring turned spindles, decorative finials, and an upholstered floral headboard 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 ornate Victorian solid brass half tester double bed featuring turned spindles, decorative finials, and an upholstered floral headboard 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 ornate Victorian solid brass half tester double bed featuring turned spindles, decorative finials, and an upholstered floral headboard 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.

fig 6. An ornate Victorian solid brass half tester double bed featuring turned spindles, decorative finials, and an upholstered floral headboard panel.
fig 6. Antique Victorian Exhibition Quality Solid Brass Half Tester Double Bed

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.

Date of Manufacture

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

Independent Date Report ID 09714678
Dealer's Item Date1860s
Sellingantiques dating1860s
Sellingantiques agingItem 135-165 years old
Test ResultsPassed dating check
Why Sellingantiques dated this piece to the 1860s:
Cast brass foliate brackets and collar turnings: Victorian decorative foundry work.
Black iron side rails with drop-in corner brackets: late nineteenth-century bed framing.
Hinged brass swing arms with integral curtain rings: designed for Victorian bed drapes.
Heavy gauge brass tubing with threaded joint assembly: substantial Victorian metalwork.

This is an independent date report produced by Sellingantiques using its own proprietary system. The process uses the photographs shown on this page. The system is never told the date the dealer has declared. This report shows that the two dates corroborate.

Height
226cm (88.98")
Width
142cm (55.91")
Depth
208cm (81.89")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1244954
Dealers Internal Ref
3223
London City Antiques
London City Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Jun 2020

At london city antiques we specialise in fine english antiques

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the London City Antiques Profile Page

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An ornate Victorian solid brass half tester double bed featuring turned spindles, decorative finials, and an upholstered floral headboard panel.
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Archive I An ornate Victorian solid brass half tester double bed featuring turned spindles, decorative finials, and an upholstered floral headboard panel.

Antique Victorian Exhibition Quality Solid Brass Half Tester Double Bed

Archive II An ornate Victorian solid brass half tester double bed featuring turned spindles, decorative finials, and an upholstered floral headboard panel. View II
Archive III An ornate Victorian solid brass half tester double bed featuring turned spindles, decorative finials, and an upholstered floral headboard panel. View III
Archive IV An ornate Victorian solid brass half tester double bed featuring turned spindles, decorative finials, and an upholstered floral headboard panel. View IV
Archive V An ornate Victorian solid brass half tester double bed featuring turned spindles, decorative finials, and an upholstered floral headboard panel. View V
Archive VI An ornate Victorian solid brass half tester double bed featuring turned spindles, decorative finials, and an upholstered floral headboard panel. View VI
Archive VII An ornate Victorian solid brass half tester double bed featuring turned spindles, decorative finials, and an upholstered floral headboard panel. View VII
Archive VIII An ornate Victorian solid brass half tester double bed featuring turned spindles, decorative finials, and an upholstered floral headboard panel. View VIII
Archive IX An ornate Victorian solid brass half tester double bed featuring turned spindles, decorative finials, and an upholstered floral headboard panel. View IX
Archive X An ornate Victorian solid brass half tester double bed featuring turned spindles, decorative finials, and an upholstered floral headboard panel. View X
Archive XI An ornate Victorian solid brass half tester double bed featuring turned spindles, decorative finials, and an upholstered floral headboard panel. View XI
Archive XII An ornate Victorian solid brass half tester double bed featuring turned spindles, decorative finials, and an upholstered floral headboard panel. View XII
Archive XIII An ornate Victorian solid brass half tester double bed featuring turned spindles, decorative finials, and an upholstered floral headboard panel. View XIII
Archive XIV An ornate Victorian solid brass half tester double bed featuring turned spindles, decorative finials, and an upholstered floral headboard panel. View XIV
Archive XV An ornate Victorian solid brass half tester double bed featuring turned spindles, decorative finials, and an upholstered floral headboard panel. View XV
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Telephone 07834 270 128
Location
The Coach House
Stutton
Ipswich
Suffolk
IP9 2SD
United Kingdom
Verified Since Jun 2020
Items For Sale 1,260
Items Sold 5,165
London City Antiques
London City Antiques
Verified Since Jun 2020
View Dealer Info
Location: The Coach House, Stutton, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP9 2SD, United Kingdom
Verified
Jun 2020
For Sale
1,260
Sold
5,165
An ornate Victorian solid brass half tester double bed featuring turned spindles, decorative finials, and an upholstered floral headboard panel.
Antique Victorian Exhibition Quality Solid Brass Half Tester Double Bed
Ref: SA1244954
An ornate Victorian solid brass half tester double bed featuring turned spindles, decorative finials, and an upholstered floral headboard panel.
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Archival Detail
Every single antique dealer on our platform is individually approved by our internal team. We verify their professional trade history, ethical standards, and photographic quality to ensure a secure, high-standard buying environment. Upon joining, every dealer agrees to a strict 9-point code of conduct. While issues can occasionally arise, our dealers typically resolve them swiftly and directly with the buyer. In fact, since our founding in 2002, Sellingantiques has only had to step in to help resolve an issue on roughly five occasions—a true testament to the quality of our dealers and their dedication to your happiness.
Our dealers are highly experienced in packing and shipping fragile, high-value antiques. Because you are in direct contact with the dealer, you will be able to easily go through all available shipping and insurance options together to ensure your item arrives safely.
Antiques are the ultimate green purchase. By choosing historical pieces over newly manufactured goods, you completely eliminate the carbon footprint of modern mass production while preserving exceptional, timeless craftsmanship.
Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectBeds
  • Period19th century
  • StyleVictorian
  • MaterialSolid Brass, Upholstered Fabric
  • ColourGold
  • MotifsTurned spindles, Half tester canopy, Cast brass finials, Upholstered headboard panel
  • SizeH 226 cm (89 in) x W 142 cm (56 in) x D 208 cm (82 in)

An antique Victorian solid brass half tester double bed, dating to 1860, is constructed from polished solid brass with a warm gold finish, iron side rails, and an upholstered headboard panel covered in a neutral fabric patterned with grey-blue floral designs. The elaborate framework incorporates substantial turned column posts, cast brass ball finials, turned vertical spindles, horizontal rails, and scrolling foliate details across an architectural head and footboard, complete with projecting swing-out side wings on the half tester canopy. The bed measures 226 cm high, 142 cm wide, and 208 cm deep, accommodating a standard UK double mattress. Suitable for a principal bedroom, the bed serves as a focal point in traditional and contemporary interior schemes. The hinged side wings allow for drapery or curtains to be hung above the head of the bed. The neutral upholstered panel provides the option for simple re-covering to match alternative interior decors, while the polished metal structure maintains minor age-related marks consistent with use.

A Victorian half tester bed features a frame with a partial canopy extending over the head of the bed rather than the full length. Originating in the 19th century, these beds were designed to hold drapery for warmth and privacy while taking up less space than a full four-poster bed.

19th-century brass beds were constructed using solid cast brass components, heavy-gauge tubing, and internal iron rods for structural integrity. Decorative features such as turned spindles, cast finials, and brass castors were assembled with threaded iron joints.

Authentic Victorian brass bedsteads feature heavy cast iron corner joints, internal threaded iron rods, hand-finished brass work, and original castors. Authentic pieces often display subtle surface variations from hand manufacturing and natural oxidisation on unlacquered sections.

Integrate a brass half tester bed into a modern scheme by pairing it with neutral, textured linens to balance the ornate metal framework. Complementing the frame with simplified nightstands or soft wall tones allows the polished brass detail to remain the primary focal point.

Maintain a brass bedstead by regularly dusting with a soft, dry microfibre cloth. Avoid harsh chemical solvents or abrasive polishes on lacquered brass finishes, and apply a microcrystalline wax to unlacquered metal to limit uneven tarnishing.
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