Featured Jenny Lind Hired Hand Adjustable Width Bed - Period? Value?

Hello -
This bed is in Michigan/United States and we are looking to sell it but have zero knowledge of antiques or value. We got it from my mother and I believe she bought it from an antique store 30-40 yrs ago. She always said it was a "hired hand" bed. Spending a little time on the internet, I've not been able to find one like this.

We have not been able to find any markings/stamps on the frame. The bed expands from about 31" wide to 54" wide. Approximately 76" long. 11" clearance from floor to bottom of side rail. It fits a double/full mattress when open.

We are looking for any thoughts on time period/name of bed and value.



Thanks in advance for any help you can provide! Much appreciated.

 

This is a mid-19th Century walnut “Jenny Lind” bed; it looks to be a twin with a side extension. To me it looks like an extension of the trundle bed idea, ie a bed with another bed that extends out to the side. I have not seen this particular type before. I can see why it has the “ hired hand” nickname, as it looks like a frame that could accommodate 2 adults rather than the more traditional adult and child.
Although this is certainly a novelty, demand for twin beds in the present market is virtually nil and in fact twins seem to be phasing out of the general market completely. However, the uniqueness of the bed may generate some small collector interest. If you can get $100 for this, I’d take the money and run.

 

Isn't that interesting? Never seen anything like it.

Debora

 

Personally, kinda love it, if in my area, might snatch it up for $100. - make a custom cushion for use as a daybed (too narrow for a twin mattress), and keep an inflatable full mattress for guests...

A modern, and not particularly attractive version:
https://www.homedepot.com/pep/Baxto...lkid=db905ab84e94108349b73d8316d992f7#overlay

~Cheryl

 

Beautiful piece-and sadly in todays disposable age-worth as much as it's Ikea counterpart.It'd be tough for me to kick it to the curb for a hundred-tis pity tis true.

 

Ghopper hasn't seen it
Deb hasn't seen it
I've never seen it..

that's a good start..

I'd put it up for $250..... with some wiggle room...

It's neat as all get out....& looks in fine condition .....

 

Interesting and unique. I really like
it. I agree it would make a very groovy daybed,to me that would have been a ‘keeper’

 

I haven't seen it either. Agree with Ghopper's assessment as to age.

 

that only makes it more unique!!!!

 

I haven't seen one either. I'd tell modern users to put a futon mattress on it and use it as a daybed. Twins do sell, especially to anyone with an older home and small bedrooms.

 

Thanks all - appreciate your feedback and insight!

 

@michleah Welcome to the forums - thank you for posting clear images, giving measurements and information known, and for having the courtesy to thank those who responded. A stellar first post...

~Cheryl

 

What she said ...........

 

Ditto.

Debora

 

That’s really neat! I’ve definitely never seen one like that. I think it would have much more appeal that a fixed twin bed. People are tight on space more than ever. It would be great to keep in a multi use spare room. Maybe it’s used as an office or play room but when a guest comes you could expand the bed out for them. If it were mine I’d play that that aspect up big time when selling it.