Thomas Butler, London, A campaign bed George III, circa 1805

mahogany, the four turned and reeded posts with brass screw fittings to dismantle into portable components, with pine tester rails and headboard, the folding oak bed base rails with a brass inset plaque `BUTLER`S PATENT No 13 & 14 Catherine St. Strand LONDON'  alterations to posts, curtain rails later

By repute, Lord Byron.

Illustrated with a detailed caption, Nicholas A. Brawer, British Campaign Furniture, 2001, pp.102-3.

Old marks and scratches throughout. The joints are loose. The curtain rail is a later replacement. The posts appear to have been reduced in height and then have had later removeable sections increasing the height. There are old marks and scratches throughout with some losses to carved detail in places. Lacking a headboard or tailboard. The metal- work is tarnished. The base is lacking supports for the mattress.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Thomas Butler is recorded as manufacturing furniture from about 1787 to 1814 and is considered to be one of the leading makers of campaign furniture. His trade card states `The Original Manufactory. For the Patent bedsteads, Sofa Beds, Chair Beds & New Invented Dining Tables. To prevent mistake and imposition, be particular to enquire for the Name, T.Butler, Upholsterer and Cabinet Maker' .

The bed is reputedly to have previously been in the collection of Lord Byron although no evidence has been found to substantiate the ownership. An entry in Medora Leigh: A History and Biography  (1869) in summary states 'In 1832 Byron and companions were staying at the monastery on Samos Hill in Cephalonia. Byron was seized by a violent fit and barricaded himself into his room. He was eventually pacified by Mr Hamilton Brown and went to sleep on Thomas Smith`s mattress. Smith recalls how he spent the night on Lord Byron`s beautiful and most commodious patent portmanteau bed; with every appliance that profusion of money can buy.'