Then while doing my web research, I came across a picture of the original left side and found out that the copy most people are familiar with is NOT what was found at the dig site. An explanation someone gave me, was that the original schematic drawings were made before the bed material was fully restored and the drawings had allot of supposition worked in. I suspect that now almost everyone including the archeological community assumes that they know what the bed looks like. But no one referring back to the original material. This is a problem, that when the wrong information gets out and is popularized it's SO hard to fix. (Excuse me, as I scratch under my horned helmet.)
Is this the picture of the original find or a different Oseberg bed? Note the differences....
And here is a picture of the original right side. This looks more like the modern copies.
Here you see the right headboard dragon being carved. You also see my cluttered shop. Amazing huh? .... I mean the clutter!
I am modifying the measurements and other details, so it won't be an absolute copy but... As evidence based, historical reenactors I believe we need to understand what is accurate and what is not. I have many items that are not, but I want to know which ones and why. Still, I'll use them until I can afford better.
The footboard is about done. At Fredia's request I shortened the dimensions of the side rails and balusters to make the bed fit better in her Viking tent. I lowered the bed to make it more useful to use while camping at demos and events.
It IS doubtful that the original bed and the tent were ever used together. The Oseberg ship burial, represented a bride/wife traveling to a new home and taking her household with.