We've had a brass bed since 1985 and were having some remodeling done and had to take it out of the room. I noticed two labels "Oriental Metal Beds, Hoboken NJ, USA" and "Bakelite Lacquer" (I think) and a stencil "Polet 722" on it. Now that I'm retired, I thought it would be interesting to know some more history.
Googling it, I could only find one reference to the Oriental Metal Beds on a Hoboken Museum site and that it became the Federal Metal Bed Company in 1924.
https://hoboken.pastperfectonline.com/media/880F6E95-2ABB-4ECC-8D26-761694342378
https://hoboken.pastperfectonline.com/photo/3EBE9411-7BF1-44EF-9073-232264215098
Now I'm at a dead end. Any suggestions or help with the history?
Here is some information about Bakelite Lacquer. This is a process that was used to make this bed. The process is confusing and difficult to put into my own words so I have copied the information here for you from this site. You can also go there and read the full process if you are interested. russianpatents.com/
SUBSTANCE: bakelite lacquer is obtained by condensation of phenols with formaldehyde in water medium in presence of amine catalyst with heating and further cooling condensation product and addition of alcohol solvent in it until required viscosity is obtained. Mixture of phenol and cardanol is used as phenols with their molar ratio phenol:cardanol 1:0.003-0.472.
russianpatents.com/
© RussianPatents.com - patent search, 2012-2020
The Polet 722 I do believe is the model number for this bed. Normally a company will mark their items in this way so they can tell which model of bed has been purchased. The 722 more than likely stands for the number of beds made or it could be for the factory it was made in.
I will continue to search for more information about the company. But now you can understand the process they used to make the bed you have. This is important to understand the chemical process because it deals with adding the coating to the metal frame of the bed to make it last.
I would call the museum and see if they have the history. I am attaching two screen shots, but I know they are small.
There is a lot of information about the company on a membership site called Newspapers.com. The company had a serious fire (January 10, 1910) and there are other articles about issues that the owner had with his private home having arson related fires.
There are also many images of ads for the beds in the NY, NJ, and PA newspapers--even as far west as Pittsburgh!
I see you are trying to sell it on Craig's List. Before you sell, you may want to see if the museum would want it.
Post back what you decide!
Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community.
I have a brass bed that I bought from an antique dealer about 45 years ago. I found the name on the frame which is Jose Cobian Fabricante Sevilla R315.
Can you tell me about how old the bed is and maybe value. (Excuse the fact that the bed has been in storage and is in need of a cleaning).
What a beautiful bed!!
I feel sure it is a true antique and will be worth several hundred dollars.
You do not say what size and that answer will have some effect on the value. Also it would be difficult to ship so if you sell it in your area that will be a factor also as some areas may be keen on this type of furniture while others not so much. But - if someone wants it bad enough they will arrange - and pay - for shipping.
I did find a couple of beds listed for sale that were made by this same company so you might want to take a look just to see what they are saying about their beds. These seem to be plain in comparison to yours.
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You can always have it appraised but a physical appraisal can be expensive.
I frequently use online appraisers and have always been satisfied. I usually use the free sites first as they will give good information (mostly only if the item is valued at over $500) so you might think about this if no one else offers good advice.
Here is a list of appraisers and also a link to Road Show appraisers.
you will need several good pictures and all information you have available.
www.whatsellsbest.com/
Another member, Pghgirl (who is very good with furniture) should answer soon and she may be able to tell much more about this bed frame.
Please post back with any information - thanks for sharing these pictures.
I have seen beds like this for sale for $400 to $500. It always depends on the market price, though.
Hi, it is pghgirl. This is a really pretty piece! Are you in the US? This is a neat piece and not one I have ever seen in the US. Not that means they are not here, but I have never seen one.
cybergrannie gave you some info that was the same as I found, so I won't repeat her findings.
I did a little deeper digging and I see there are a number of people selling letters and bills of sale from this company that date from the late 1800s--like this one:
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I always find that interesting as when people collect the advertising materials from a company, the actual pieces are usually valuable, so that is a plus for you.
To validate what you have and get a value for where you are located, I would suggest talking to a couple of reputable resellers in your area and asking them for help.
With larger and potentially valuable pieces (if it is a piece that is validated as a Jose Cobian, they sell (from what I can see starting at 500 (pounds? euros--I am not sure how to read the currency term and up.)
Please post back what you learn. I am excited to hear more about this really pretty piece.
I purchased a very old brass bed, queen size, that is at least 100 years old, judging by the support frames. It has very high posts on the headboard, and lower ones on the footboard. The shape is angular, but with round posts and spindles. The finials are not round, but almost mushroom shape. I've never seen one exactly like it. Anyone know anything about this style?
I am trying to help someone identify an antique bed. Its full-size has the original Springs.
I have a brass bed I took apart and can not get back together there is a rod going through the top of the footbed and it has slipped in and I can not get it to come back out
Call Brass Beds of Virginia 800-409-0340. they can help you.
I have two twin antique brass beds in very good condition with original coil springs. They were manufactured by Whitcomb Metallic Bedstead Co. out of Shelton Conn. I am moving and need to sell the. I am trying to establish their value.
This auction was from 2010. It was estimated as between $75 and $100. www.liveauctioneers.com/
Value can only be determined by recent sales of exact or very, very similar items as well as where the items are sold (where located in US) and I have not found any recent sales of anything similar. I did find several closed auctions for several years ago but did not find an actual sale price.
There are some twin brass beds listed on eBay and other sites for $300-$700 but no evidence of any sales in any recent months.
These would be costly to ship so you may have to try and locate something similar that has sold in your area. You can check local sale sites (Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, USA4Sale and other sites) to see how many are listed in your area to get a feel for how rare or how plentiful they are.
Your best bet, especially if you wish to sell in short time, would be to find a medium to large auction house and take your beds for them to sell.
This will cost you some of your profit (if sold) but that may be where you will receive the most even then.
You can also ask for a free appraisal and that knowledge may help you sell for more money but it may not help you sell them quickly (or at all).
If you decide to ask for an appraisal, you will need better pictures (without the springs) as well as measurements and also any information you have concerning age, etc.
www.whatsellsbest.com/
Hopefully, other members will have better suggestions so be sure to check back.
I have an approximately 40 year old solid brass bed. It was purchased somewhere in New York City for several thousand dollars. I am trying to identify the manufacturer or reseller of this bed so that I can purchase a few small items. I thoroughly examined the bed, but cannot find any markings.
Thank you.
I will upload few images later.
I would contact a dealer. With no markings it will be difficult to assign value
If there are no markings, you will probably have a heck of a time IDing it.
You can search eBay and other online venues to find (based on the look) similar pieces and price it that way.
Be sure to match it by size (it is a twin, full etc.)?
Is it in good shape?
You say solid, but that would mean the tubes are not hollow, and it would be extremely heavy. I have never seen one like that, but if that is the case, that could add to the value. Most are brass with hollow centers.
Brass is all over the price in value from $5 up to the hundreds.
Those that are high value are name brands with very intricate patterns. Yours is moderately intricate so if you don't have the patience to figure out what exactly you have, start it at $300 and take best offer.
Just from my knowledge, you may have to settle for $50 to $100 without any provenance if it is a twin or full and $100 to $150 if it is a queen or king...just because the second hand market for most everything is very soft at the moment.
Post back what you learn and if you sell and for how much.
Best wishes!
My bed is dark brass and very light in weight. The rails are heavy and stamped with a large M. The brass on the footboard and headboard has a black military looking stamp with numbers and the word Satin. Can any one help identify the maker and age?
Can someone help me identify this brass/iron bed? The bed headboard and footboard are vintage, maybe antique. I have scoured the internet and have yet to find anything remotely looking like this design. I am totally stumped. It's awesome, but I would love to know the manufacturer and a general date it was from. I'm cleaning it now, but have yet to find any identifying marks. Thanks so much!
