Trying to help out a friend. She needs to replace a missing bed rail which was made with the type of hangers you see below in the pic. The hanger shown below came off the footboard end, so we assume the headboard rail would use the same hangers. The base plate with these is mortised & screwed into the bed post. The rail itself would have a semi round tenon to fit the hanger.
These type hangers were apparently patented? on June 20, 1872 judging from the stamped date on the horseshoe piece. Similar reproductions are available, as well as a very few antiques. Question is how long these type hangers were in wide use. It would help in determining when the bed itself was made.
The base plate is 6" long to give an idea of the other dimensions.
Attachment:
hs hanger 2.jpg