One of our most invaluable reference materials are the original mail order catalogues.  These treasured books contain a wealth of information and of particular interest to many including us are the intricate illustrations. Unlike the advertising catalogues, which appear in our daily mailboxes, these original catalogues are a useful visual reference and a time capsule of daily life in the early 1900’s.   On many occasions clients have brought us a tangled mess of iron posts, brass pipe and a box of assorted (60+) brass pieces and innocently ask for it to be restored to its original design.  At these times, the original mail order catalogue we are able to decipher the jigsaw puzzles, by narrowing down the pieces and matching them to the designs, ultimately turning the tangle into a family heirloom.

Accompanying each intricate illustration is a detailed description of the bed –  "Anthony Horden & Sons Pty Ltd, Universal Providers, Sydney  Italian Bedstead, 2in, parallel post, enamelled Black, mounted Head, Footrail richly mounted with Porcelain spindels, 3 Brass Rings and Brass cast Mounts and Gallery (DX612) 6ft, 5in x 4ft, 6in      £12/15/-6ft, 6in x £13/5/-“

Though many times inevitably intricate pieces are missing and feature porcelains, brass plaques and brass casting moulds which at some point have been lost or utilised for some other decorative purposes.   The other piece of advice we like to give is to visit historic homesteads and National Trust Properties to see the different styles of beds and how they have been used in the homes.   These visits serve a multiple purpose any entrance fees assist in retaining our Heritage building, you are to pickup genuine period decorating ideas which are difficult to find elsewhere and finally ideas on how to dress the beds to a suitable period.

Many of the early beds, as shown with the Italian bedsteads; rather than having a full tester as many Australians know, had “Swing Arms” which allowed the drapes to be hung alongside the bed, to stop draughts across their faces whilst they slept. Australia’s “flying pests and creepy crawlies” encourage the bed-makers to create both square and round testers, where mosquito nets could be fitted, which certainly  would have improved the quality of sleep.   Another common misconception is that Queen Size is a new trend and innovation of recent years.   Many times we have brought out the original catalogue to show the sceptics, the 6ft6in x 5ft (Queen Size) bed designs were available.   In these times they also enjoyed King and Emperor size (8ft x 8ft6in) whilst most certainly the majority of people still purchased double beds.  We also use our catalogue to assist people show us what they may be visualising in their mind.

Magazine clippings kept for years on their “wish list” are also helpful.   Our clients have also taught us, in particular the individual history of beds and how they have come to have them.   This modern history has given us a greater appreciation for our early pioneers, what happened to the beds after their initial purchase from the catalogue.   Personal details like these give each bed its own unique history, never to be duplicated – and if not verbally passed on would otherwise be lost to time.  If you find early pioneer life interesting then sourcing these catalogues will open new doors for you in the latest decorating trends of that time.   Their diverse range of products from jewellery to fashion, books to toys, hardware to farm equipment.

Detailed descriptions, colour and size and of course the price.  Finally ….…..there is no doubt in our mind that there is a bed style for everyone and we continue to discover beds which we have never seen before.   One of our personal favourites is the Serpentine or Double Bow Front, sometimes known as the wedding bed but there certainly is a bedstyle to suit everyone’s personal tastes.  We hope you are able to find your dream antique brass bed.

Our aim is to continue to “Taking Care of Furniture for generations of tomorrow”