A Federal Mahogany Bedstead, Baltimore, c.1815

a Federal turned tall post bed; retains its original one-piece figured mahogany headboard and poplar tester; the original mahogany rails are un-alterd in length with replaced pegs; this use of more expensive mahogany for the rails was rare, expected only of a "city" maker having greater access to supply; a lack of multiple ring turnings, no "ears" and/or "rolling pin" on the headboard, and the lower placement of the vase turnings on the posts, all indicate an earlier date of manufacture than its Empire counterparts (see figure 32 in Weidman's Furniture in Maryland 1740-1940); in an old, possibly original finish; dimensions: 61" wide x 78 1/2" long x 93 3/4" tall; a related Baltimore example with carved foot posts, Marlborough feet, and extended rails is in the collection of Hampton Mansion (scroll down for image)

$14,000

A circa 1780 Federal bedstead, probably made in Baltimore, with a history of ownership by the Ridgely family of Hampton Mansion, Baltimore County, Maryland, sold for $98,500 (est. $20,000/30,000) to Baltimore designer Stiles Colwill bidding for Hampton, the historic house in Baltimore County. "We went over our budget, and now we will have to raise some money, but we were determined to have Mrs. Copeland's bed for Hampton," said Lynne Hastings, curator of Hampton, after the sale. The bed, which has been extended, came with the hangings and has a Joseph Kindig, Jr. provenance. (www.maineantiquedigest.com)