Q. What's the difference between an authentic antique iron bed and a reproduction?

A. Two of the biggest differences are age and detail. The antique increases in value every year and offers tremendous clarity in its original cast-iron castings. All castings on a reproduction are made out of aluminum. They come from a new design or a mold taken of an antique casting. The reproduction won't be very valuable for another 90 years.

Q. I've seen those horror stories on the television program, The Antique Road Show. Will I lose any antique value by changing the paint?

A. No. Unlike a wood piece, antique value in the iron bed is found in its detailed castings and ornate design.

Q. Can I buy just the headboard?

A. No. The full value of an antique iron bed is in the complete set: headboard, footboard and side rails. We, therefore, only sell the complete set.

Q. How tall are they?

A. It's quite variable. The average height of a headboard is around 56 inches. A shorter headboard might be obscured by the use of a box spring, mattress and lots of pillows. In that case, we recommend raising the height of just the headboard. This change will allow the important top third of its design to peek over the pillows.

Q. Do I use my current frame with the antique?

A. No. The antique comes with its own set of side rails that support the box-spring and mattress.

Q. How will I receive my bed?

A. We ship our beds around the block and around the world. Unless a bed is going overseas, it will travel by ground carrier to a depot near you. You're then contacted by the shipping company to arrange for delivery.

Q. Are they difficult to put together?

A. No. In fact, setting up a bed requires less skill than operating your computer. But we'll send you instructions, anyway.