Featured Wood Identification Request: Antique Bed with Eagle Motif

Hello everyone,


I’d like to ask for your help in identifying the type of wood used in my bed. I believe the piece dates from the late 19th century. The central carving features an eagle, with columns on both sides.


My own guess is that the wood might be Karelian birch, but I’d really appreciate any expert opinions or insights.


Photos attached.

 

Birch (or beech if European) seems like a good candidate. Suppose it could be some kind of fruitwood as well.

 

Do you have any photos of the back?
I would not have thought it to be that old but I bow to @verybrad 's expertise.

 

Same here; it's not screaming "old" at me either.

 

Or to me.

Debora

 

I'm blown away thinking a 19 year old guy , would even ' have ' a bed like that.....

 

Didn't say anything as to age. Not enough details to tell from these pics. Think the quality is good enough to be 19th century but could well be a revival piece from the 20th. Looks to have been refinished and may not have started out as light as it now appears.

 

Looks like multiple types of veneer, including fruit wood and even maple. Could date anytime from 1880 to 1915 or so.

 

I’m 19 years old and I collect Empire-style pieces. I bought this bed for €350. The previous owner restored it and covered it with something. Tomorrow I’ll send a photo of the back of the headboard. It’s quite a giant, so it’s hard to move. Thanks everyone for your replies.

 

That makes a huge difference. Furniture people will tell you that the information about age and origin is "written" on the back or inside of a piece.

 

That would have been helpful information to have in your first post. That's why it hit posters' eyes as not being genuinely period.

Debora

 

....... as always around here..... Help us, to help you !!!

Good to see a teenager, with a strong passion !!!

Welcome aboard !!