Rococo Revival rosewood half-tester bed, signed "C. Lee 291" inside foot board and right rail. Serpentine half-tester with tufted upholstery, gadrooned edge and urn finials. Serpentine headboard, paneled and centered by a shell- and acanthus-carved cartouche, and flanked by tall faceted posts with beaded mid-sections. Serpentine side rails with applied carving and a similarly styled foot board with cartouche, joined by short posts ending in gadrooned capitals and urn shaped finials. Attributed to Charles Lee, a Manchester, Massachusetts cabinetmaker who supplied large numbers of beds to the New Orleans market from 1856-1868. Condition: In need of restoration to secure structural integrity. Tall posts loose; old break to right rail, decorative carved support between post and tester has been broken, finial broken on left side of footboard, scattered chips and losses to veneer and carving, and wear. Overall Dimensions: 104" H x 69" W x 86-1/2" L. Inside Dimensions: 60-1/2"W x 72-1/2" L. Mid 19th century. History: given to Belle Meade Plantation in the mid 20th century and exhibited in the mansion's "Presidential" bedroom for many years, then loaned to the Athanaeum in Columbia, Tennessee, where it was exhibited during the 1980s. Deaccessioned by historic Belle Meade Plantation; proceeds to benefit the restoration of the collection.