Nightstand - Mahogany, Leather

English mahogany bed staircase with hidden night chair – Regency/Victorian – probably 19th century

Exceptional three-step bed- or library-stair with integrated night chair, probably from England and from the second half of the 19th century. The multifunctional piece sits in the tradition of English Regency- and Victorian bed steps, or step commodes.

The staircase is made of mahogany or mahogany-veneered wood. Two tread surfaces are clad in dark green leather with a gold-colored embossed border. The top step has a lift-up lid and provides additional storage. Under another lid is the discretely hidden night chair with removable wooden lid and a metal bowl. The accompanying metal bowl is included; whether it originally belonged to the furniture is not known.

The steps can be compactly slid together. Brass-colored hinges and the simple, paneled side surfaces complement the classic design.

The furniture is in an age-appropriate, unrestored condition. The wood shows scratches, minor dents, discolorations and other typical signs of use. The green leather shows noticeable wear, scratches, cracks and losses; the gold-colored embossing is partially worn. The lids and the sliding mechanism are operable. The exact condition is documented in the numerous detail photos that accompany the description.