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Patent Model Tiger Maple Hospital Bed
Civil War era
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This rare patent model hospital bed made
of tiger maple dates from the Civil War era.
It is all original, as found, with the original
finish, original mattress, original hardware
and mechanics, and original mustard yellow
paint on the chair frame and supporting structure.
The name George Miller is written on the
side in black paint.
The framework is hinged so that the back
can be raised and the foot lowered to make
it into a bed-sized chair. Just inside the
headboard are metal rods that turn a wooden
roller to wind or unwind straps that raise
or lower the bed. A ratchet on the sides
keeps the bed positioned at the desired level
A historian who viewed this model pointed
out that most of the workings are wood and
fabric, and theorized that the purpose of
this design at the time of the Civil War
was to save on the use of metal which was
scarce especially in the South.
It has the original mustard yellow paint
on the chair frame.
The cotton wool mattress is original, shaped
to fit around the supporting arms. A fabric
covered foot rest is attached to the foot
of the mattress.
The name George Miller
is written in black
script on the side of the
bed. The bed is
about 11 1/2" long,
6" wide, and
7" tall overall height.
The wood and
workings are excellent
condition. The thin
red fabric covering the
mattress has deteriorated
with age.
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This patent model has been sold. To see what is currently available, follow
these links:
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