Antique GOLDEN RULE LINE Adjustable BED TRAY TABLE

Updated August 8, 2026

AVAILABLE for SHIPPING or LOCAL PICKUP > A cleverly designed vintage 1940s General Wood Products Company adjustable wood bed tray and lap table measuring approximately 22" wide by 15 1/2" deep. With the folding legs extended, the table stands approximately 8 1/2" tall to the tray surface, not including the raised surrounds. A unique combination of hinged supports, latches and spring mechanisms beneath allow the top to remain level or rise to an inclined reading and writing position. The turned legs fold within the underside framework for compact storage, allowing use as a breakfast tray, bed table, lap desk, reading stand, writing surface, or portable work table. The rectangular wood top features rounded corners, raised retaining rails along three sides, a deep reddish brown finish, and a painted floral spray in pale blue, white, green, and orange. The surrounding rails help keep books, dishes, writing materials, or other items from sliding from the surface. The underside retains the original oval paper label reading GENERAL WOOD PRODUCTS COMPANY ~ THE GOLDEN RULE LINE ~ A TRUE MEASURE OF VALUE ~ ROCKFORD, ILL. Golden Rule Line trays of this form are generally associated with the 1940s and were marketed as practical household furnishings for meals in bed, reading, correspondence, homework, and other seated activities. General Wood Products Company operated in Rockford, Illinois, and marketed practical household furnishings under The Golden Rule Line, accompanied by the slogan “A True Measure of Value.” Surviving examples include folding bed trays, lap desks, breakfast tables, and adjustable reading stands, generally associated with the late 1930s and 1940s. The compact folding construction reflected a period demand for versatile household furniture suited for meals, reading, writing, sewing, and convalescent use in bed or from a chair. CONDITION REPORT > As discovered, not cleaned or altered ~ Displays age and use related wear, including scratches, scuffs, abrasions, finish loss, small chips, staining, and scattered marks across the tray surface, raised rails, edges, legs, and underside framework. The original floral decoration and manufacturer’s label remain present, while the folding legs and adjustable tilt mechanism appear substantially complete.

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