Brass vs reproduction brass beds

The local thrift store has a full size oxford style "brass bed".

I want it, but i believe it to be a reproduction.
They have a pretty steep price on it if it is a repro, imo anyways.

This one has pen tip sized rust spots all over and silver discoloring in places.

My plans if it is a repro is to paint it black.
I'm terrible, I know.

What is a realistic price range for a full size brass bed vs reproduction?
How can you tell a difference?

 

Hi,
That looks like a repro. Look for were the sides attach. If they are "dimpled" or look squashed in, I think it is a repro.
greg

 

You mean like where the screws go in?

 

Hi,
Yes. The older brass beds that I have seen all had a steel plate attached where the sides slid in. If the screws go right into the brass it would wear and tear the brass.
Brass is very soft and doesn't wear well.
greg

 

So what's a fair price on a repro in that condition?


What about antique iron beds?

I bought one a few years ago that was painted a really yuck color and decided to go a darker textured brown, meh. I don't like it anymore (i actually never did like the color)..

Now I'm sanding it down and repainting it.
A magnet sticks to it and it's heavy as all get out, but I still think it's "newer" due to the welded areas.

There's actually a footboard as well.
I've seemed to have misplaced 2 of the toppers, if anyone knows of a good source to buy them (they don't have to be like these), let me know!

 

I concur.
It should have massive cast iron rail 'female' mounts and the rails would have similar 'male' mounts.
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It is plated steel.
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How much do they want for it?
If not dented, and nothing beyond the rust, not more than $100.

 

Seriously doubt this is old.
Go on line and look for cast wrought iron finials.
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Your local steel yard may carry some to supply fence builders.

 

Neither bed is old. I wouldn't give much for the brass one. It should be less than $50.00 IMHO.

 

They want $75 for it, which I'll have to dump $15-$20 in supplies to repaint and seal it, then have to factor in store commission...
I don't think I'd get much more than $125 for it finished....

That leaves me with less than $15 profit and doesn't even factor in my time..

Blah.
Disappointed.