Rare Small William and Mary Period Joined Frame Day Bed

The Graphic Ogee Cresting Flanked by Ball Finials and Raised on Turned Legs
Solid Naturally Patinated Oak
English, c.1680

40.25" high x 45.25" long x 18.5" deep 

Ref: 10580

In over forty years we’ve only seen a handful of examples of this type, made around 1680 this one is of charming diminutive scale. The examples we have seen have all been traditionally constructed with mortice and tenon joints, in the same way as a chair or joint stool of the period, with engaging globular turnings, to the finials, uprights and legs and have rope seats..

This one benefits from particularly clean and strong  lines, defined by the generous ogee cresting detail, above the simplicity of two broad and a slimmer central vertical splat.

There is a quiet Puritan aesthetic about it, which is enhanced by a naturally timeworn patina and gently burnished surface.

It is hard to know why so few exist and exactly what their original purpose was, but they are invariably very well made and would have been relatively expensive when they were made.

My feeling is that they were primarily fashioned for use by ladies, as they are of fine proportions and slender across the seat, although they are robust in construction and even a large man could lean back and rest his legs on it.

Rarities like this are what makes what we do so fascinating and rewarding. It is one of those pieces that seduces you into wondering about where it was made for, who has enjoyed it over the past 340 years and how has it survived in such excellent condition.

Nowadays it makes a unique conversation piece and a great seat in front of a fire, somewhere to perch to change your shoes and socks or perfect in a bedroom to lay clothes, magazines or a tea tray on.

Whatever, there is something unusual, intriguing and uniquely satisfying about its curious form and refined simplicity.