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Washington_folding_bed_folded.jpgWashingtons camp bed folded333 viewsHere is a photo of the bed folded up. It forms a package about 36" wide and 12" square. The headboard, canopy frames, and mid-rail frame is not shown in this photo. Beds like this were not uncommon during the American Revolutionary War, and period documents indicate they were used at least by relatively low-ranking British officers as well.Sgt42RHR
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Washington_Bed_on_display.jpgWashingtons folding camp bed380 viewsThis is one of three (probably the second) of the camp beds Washington used throughout his military career. This photo is taken of the bed now on display in the museum at Mount Vernon. My version of this bed is identical (I've got a set of measured drawings) except I don't own or know how to use a lathe. Because of this the legs on mine are square tapers, and the posts are octagonal tapers. Incidentally, the canopy frame and finials are interpretations--the originals do not exist.Sgt42RHR
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Washingtons_folding_field_bedstead_by_Dick_Toone.jpgFolding field bedstead by Richard Toone304 viewsThis is an image of the bed I'm making, save the turned legs and posts. I am making almost the same bed, however as I don't own (or know how to use) a lathe, the legs on my interpretation of this bed are tapered square legs and the posts are tapered octagons. Other than that my bed and this bed are the same. This bed was made by Richard Toone who reproduces a lot of historical furniture and accessories. Sgt42RHR
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Corner_of_Bed_Frame.jpgCorner of frame for folding field bed316 viewsThis is one of four bed corners, the legs are bolted below and the tapered octagonal bed posts are bolted at the top knuckle joint. In the space defined by the two pencil lines, I have to cut a 3/4" x 1 1/8" mortise. However, the mortise has to lean 1/8" to the right. The problem is how best to mark this out uniformly on each of the four corners.Sgt42RHR
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