Antique Cots, Cradles and Cribs
COTS, CRADLES AND CRIBS
Today the term ‘cradle’ describes a baby’s bed which rocks, either standing at floor level on two curved rockers, or suspended between two uprights, A cot or crib (the latter now an American term) implies the
high-sided bed on legs, with sides of equal height, which was first devised for toddlers around 1800. In the 18th century and 19th century though, the term ‘cot’ distinguished the swing-type cradle from its more
common rocking counterpart.
Cradles: Always panelled. Before 1600 the head-end just had raised sides; thereafter fully hooded. In the 17th century hoods were generally flat; in the 18th century arched, often ogee form. Large knob finials (used to rock the cradle) present on some uprights. Could be on four outer corners, or on one end only, or both ends and front of hood too. Small storage cupboard sometimes present at back of hood.
Swing cots: Fashionable from about 1750. Main body and hood panelled. Panels could be wood, but were more often of woven cane-work. Supported on trestle base on which the turning varied. At first vase-shaped, sometimes decorated with foliate carving; after 1790 more often straight-edged columns on splayed and needed legs.
An alternative type, after 1800, had a rectangular body (without a fixed wooden hood), the sides formed of turned spindles. Similar trestle base to the above.
Some Regency designers devised swing cots in elegant Greek, Roman or Egyptian style with many classical motifs, ormolu mounts and elaborate drapery. Few of these were made, fewer still survive.
Very large numbers were made during Queen Victoria’s reign in cast iron or brass or combinations of the two. Generally an iron base (for stability) and brass decorative parts. On all-iron pieces the body was covered
with drapery and was therefore purely functional, usually simply ribbed or latticed.
Modern-style cribs or cots: First appeared during Regency. Initially in rectangular box form with turned spindles and straight, square-sectioned uprights continuous with legs. Victorian examples marked by cast-iron construction with variously patterned mesh sides; sometimes raised around one end. Could have half-tester canopy (see p. 22). By 1900, generally plain slatted or turned wooden verticals, usually painted in plain colours. Height was adjustable on one side and on the base of wire mesh.
Oak, sometimes elm or other indigenous woods, for rocking cradles; mahogany, sometimes rosewood, for the swing type. Cast iron and brass tubing in the 19th century. Victorian reproductions often made in beech or pine, painted and grained to simulate oak.
Until about 1800, the majority of cradles
Late Victorian/Edwardian metal child’s bed.
were evidently made in wicker (with wooden rockers), but survivals in Britain in unknown.
In grand houses, cradles, like beds, were an indication of status and could be elaborate. State cradles were made in beech and completely covered with upholstery.
Cradles: Panelled. In early 18th century fielded panels were fashionable. Rockers usually cut and pegged into base of corner uprights, but could be attached via short turned supports dowelling into rockers and
underside of frame. Hood occasionally hinged at back to allow easy access to baby. Sometimes holes, large wooden pins, or metal loops present at top of sides to take ropes to hold baby in place. Bottom usually had
similar holes for bedlines. Alternatively could have fixed laths or a solid base, the planks removable for easy cleaning.
Swing cots: Straightforward panelled construction. Alternative type with spindles dowelled into upper and lower framework. For brass and iron, see p. 28.
Humblest cradles could have simple chip-carving with lozenges, or more complex designs (see CHESTS, P. 82). Occasionally simple inlay of flowers or geometric borders. Grandest had additional painted or gilt
decoration of which traces may still be visible. Many were carved with initials and a date. This could be details of a birth, but sometimes the initials of the reigning monarch. Not a reliable method of dating as cradles were usually family heirlooms and the date could refer to a later occupant. Many spurious dates were added in the 19th century to fake authenticity.
Japanning on cast iron, often to simulate wood or bronze. Paint began to be a feature of cots around 1900.
Despite their age and charm, not very valuable objects, the majority (of all types) being priced in three figures, many at the lower end of the scale. While their usefulness for their intended purpose may be short-lived, they make very good jardinieres.
Tags: 17th century, ANTIQUE, baby, cane work, classical motifs, CRADLES, CRIBS, cupboard, front, iron pieces, Oak, queen victoria, storage cupboard