A gilt-bronze-mounted mahogany, green-painted and parcel-gilt `campaign' bed Empire, first quarter 19th century

The additional later textile hangings, include two ivory plemets, four ivory rectangular small panels, six small ivory panels, eight rectangular blue and white stripped panels, two blue and white bolster covers and two blue and white covered square cushions, two curtains (approx. 252cm. drop), a large shaped blue and white panel (possibly mattress cover) and flat rectangular blue and white panel, together with four tasselled tie backs in orange and green and two blue cord tie-backs (Qty) 

Presented by Emilio Terry upon the occasion of the marriage of Prince and Princess Henry de la Tour d'Auvergne Lauraguais  

The bed: In overall very good conserved condition. Very attractive model. Old very minor marks, chips and scratches commensurate with age and normal usage. The mounts are of very good quality There are some old very minor repairs but these have been so well executed that they are hardly noticeable. The wooden canopy is later which has some new replaced pieces and there is one minor stretcher joining a back panel which is missing but this does not detract from the piece. One spear on the gate section has a minor section chipped off at the top which can easily be restored. The measurements in the catalogue are for the bed only. The measurements of the canopy are: 282cm high, 264cm wide, 166cm deep. Textile hangings and extra panels, are in good overall condition. Some minor stains and marks to some. Usable.
"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."

Comparative Literature:
Christophe Huchet de Quénetain, Les styles Consulat et Empire, p. 112, fig. 79, illustrates the bed of maréchal Soult by Jacob after Charles Percier, (coll. marquise de Balleroy, château de Montchevreuil), upon which the offered bed is almost certainly based, which is reproduced here in fig.1.

Also see a related set of Empire furniture from the collection of Maréchal Soult comprising a commode, seat furniture, bed and bedside table, sold Sotheby's, Paris, Château de Groussay, 3rd June 1999, lots 796-799.