Portsmouth Bed, CP-1
Post Height: 90'', 229cm

This striking tester bed from Portsmouth, New Hampshire, is a fine example of American Federal style furniture. The original was built for Congressman William Hale of Portsmouth. In the Hale family it is known as the "Lafayette bed" as it was used by the him during his 1825 visit. The original is currently in the possession of the Historic New England.

This four poster bed is of mahogany with maple and walnut inlay in the foot posts. The head posts are pencil posts as was common during the period. The optional custom cornice tester shown is mahogany with inlay. The bed is shown in queen size with headboard HB-1.

Print tear sheet

Reference: "Portsmouth Furniture, Masterpieces from the New Hampshire Seacoast" Brock Jobe, editor, Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities, 1993, pg 392