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Collectibles-General (Antiques)/antique european bed

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Expert: - 1/23/2009


Question
My bed
My bed  
QUESTION: I was just wondering what you can tell me about my bed. all i know is I was told that its an antique and that it is of French origin. It is a King size. any info would be greatly appreciated.
thanks so much ,
Marty

ANSWER: This is a French Louis 15th style bed, to know if it is made in Europe or in America can only be determined finding a makers mark or taking the exact measurements. If it is European made than the measurements will not permit a standard size mattress and box spring fit. you will need to have a custom made or import a European size mattress.

If this is an American made bed then the mattress is a standard American size. Another clue, king size beds do not exist in France, this is an American invention, bed have always been smaller that what is available in the US. You can find a custom made French King size bed but the measurements are 200 cm x 200 cm.

Your bed looks like an American made mass produced reproduction circa 1950s or 1960s, I would need to see close up photos of the metal hardware and drawer handles on the side tables and a close up of the right or left side of the foot of the bed with a close up of the wood foot.

This does not look like an antique to me, but with more photos I can tell you exactly when this was made.

Thank you,

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I am living in Germany and just bought this bed. It may or may not be American. that I dont know.. The Lady is German, she said she bought it in France. American mattresses do not fit. Do you have any idea of the value of this? I will try to send more pictures as soon as possible. Thank you so much for all your help.
Marty

Answer
Large beds like yours were made in France only after 1950, and were mainly for hotels. not for the general public because the bed rooms are small in most apartments. if could have been a custom made bed but I can only tell you more if I see more detailed photos, If I confirm my initial analyses and this is from this period, then you bed is worth around 300, Euros to 500 Euros maximum.

Beds in Europe do not sell for a great deal of money, unless it is an exceptional piece.

Most people can not tell the difference between a vintage bed or an antique bed and the word Antique is used liberally. Most people think that a because a piece of furniture has a antique style that it is old. but, even beds like this that are antiques (made circa 1900) do not sell for a lot of money. unless it it from the style of the period (circa 1760s) and then they can sell for a good amount of money.

I await your photos.

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