this antique headboard and footboard is quite unique. made of heavy cast iron (or cold rolled?) tubing 1 1/3" o.d. approximately 1/8" in thickness. It features the heads and paws of lions, other decorative flume-like castings and some simple "S" shaped scrolling made of a different, lighter metal for detail. Side rails and hardware (if any were necessary..) are not included. This piece was found in an old shed in New Mexico, original owner is deceased, so we have no background. I have researched the lion's head motif on the internet, but have had no luck so far in finding another like it for comparison, but I have learned that it is likely from mid 1800s. Dimensions are 59"h at head, 42"h at foot and 53" across base.