17th Century Canopy Bed Carved

[Number13]

Hi, I've been doing a little hunting trying to help my mother with a bed that she's had in her posession for several years now. What I know about the bed is what she told me.

The bed is 17th Century, purchased in New Orleans, LA from producer Judy Garwood, who in turn pruchased the bed from Ralph Lauren, who was said to have brought it to the US from England and used it to model his Medeival (curtain) Collection. I am not sure of any history prior to that. I am also not sure of any markings that may be on the bed, as it is my mother's, and currently not in my possession. I also tried locating the previous owner, but have had no such luck.

If anyone here may have any knowledge about these particular pieces, your help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Here are some pictures:

[Ipcress]

Looks familiar. Like something from Tom Jones or Taming Of The Shrew

And is worth a lot of money. The provenance is a bonus.

Can you take an image of the front posts, please ? They are hidden by the curtains

[greenacres]

Wow, impressive!

[Number13]

Thanks! I'm not sure if these were recent or older, so I'll see if she can get some pics of the posts if she doesn't already have some.

[greenacres]

http://www.platformbeds.com/History-of-Beds_ep_58-1.html

Here's the history of beds. You'll find it interesting.

[Ipcress]

Partly why i'd like to see the posts. It's a tester, but is it all original ?

Will need to be looked at first hand by someone

[mart]

You have written documentation about the provenance ??

[greenacres]

http://www.periodoakantiques.co.uk/antique-four-poster-beds/a-very-pretty-17th-century-carved-oak-four-poster-bed-english-circa-1670-29-stockno-1068/

I think your bed is nicer. Check out web site.

[Number13]

Wow, thanks for the links! And yes, very interesting on the history! I will definitely see what else I can find out about it and it's history tomorrow when I can talk with her on the phone.

[greenacres]

http://mbryner.fatcow.com/jimwuerstlin/gallery/view_photo.php?set_albumName=album44&id=E9_P7084807

This bed is 1646. Flemish $30,000.00

[mart]

Is this a rope bed ??  And do you have written provenance ??

[KC]

Well...great story of background.  Ralph Lauren (born Ralph Lifshitz) is still alive...try and get in touch with him!  Believe it or not, crazier things have been done!   Need to have written history (establish provenance).

Now that said, it is in itself an amazing bed.  So just from the the bed itself has lots of value.  But a good story of established provenance can enhance the value.

Unbelievably gorgeous bed!!!!

[ghopper1924]

Amazing!!  30K seems about right....))

Also, check out an English site that specializes in furniture such as this. I don't have the link handy, but it's called Marhamchuch Antiques.

[greenacres]

Oh, I'll have to check it out! Thanks ghoppher.

[mart]

I tried to find this Judy Garwood,, found none with any reference to being a producer so the question is,, producer of what ??  Also looked up Ralph Laurens Medieval Collection and found little !!  Only three named patterns for curtains in that collection that I found !!  You would think that if he had used this bed for those pics it could be found somewhere !!  At least would help prove that he had owned it !!  Did your mother buy the bed from this person directly or a shop ??  Although New Orleans is well known for some of its antiques it is also known for quality repro`s that are passed off to buyers !!