Early Postwar Slatted Wood Folding Chair, c. 1947–1959
Viridian Eclection
The Piece
An early postwar hardwood folding chair with a sculpted slatted “saddle” seat—decidedly older than typical 1960s models. Hand-set slats, a gently arced front rail, and straightforward steel pivots point to circa 1947–1958. It folds flat, sits sturdy, and carries the warm patina only real wood earns over time.
Design & Construction
→ Form & Style
Clean A-frame stance, straight back rail, and subtly splayed legs. The arced front seat rail gives the slat deck a comfortable curve—an earlier workshop detail.
→ Seat
Individually fastened hardwood slats (not plywood) create a ventilated, contoured surface; small brads/screws along the rails signal hand assembly or short-run production.
→ Frame
Solid beech/oak rails with dowel/mortise-and-tenon style joinery and a lower stretcher for racking resistance. Simple steel side pivots fold smoothly—consistent with late-’40s/’50s hardware.
→ Finish & Patina
Walnut-brown varnish/oil with softened edges and light wear. Cleaned, conditioned, and tightened while preserving authentic age.
Dimensions
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Width: 16.5″
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Depth: 18.5″
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Height: 31.0″
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Seat Height: 17.5″
History & Provenance
In the late 1940s–1950s, American and European workshops advanced all-wood folding chairs for real living spaces—lighter and finer than prewar types, and more furniture-like than later metal/plywood iterations. This example’s hand-fixed slats, doweled frame, and arced front rail anchor it in that 1947–1958 window, reading older than the vinyl-padded dining models that followed.
Condition
Very good vintage. Structurally sound; no wobble. Slats are secure with minor age marks at fasteners; even, hand-rubbed sheen.
Product Details
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| Maker | Unknown workshop (American or European) |
| Year | Circa 1947–1960 |
| Origin | U.S. or Europe |
| Style | Early Mid-Century / Utility |
| Materials | Solid hardwood (beech/oak), steel hardware |
| Color | Walnut-brown |
| Condition | Very good; light, honest wear |
| Dimensions | W 16.5″ × D 18.5″ × H 31.0″; SH 17.5″ |
Why It’s Special
An earlier, all-wood folding chair with sculpted slats and honest joinery—older, rarer, and warmer than common ’60s versions. Functional, space-savvy, and quietly beautiful.
Every piece is packed with professional-grade materials: multiple foam layers, double-boxing, directional and fragile handling labels. For large furniture we use custom timber crating. We photograph packing before dispatch and can provide images on request.
White-glove delivery is complimentary within 100 miles of Reno, NV. National shipping quotes provided at checkout. All shipments are photographed and documented. Damage claims must be filed with the carrier; we provide all documentation needed to support your claim.
Local pickup is available at Viridian HQ (Reno, NV) with 2–4 days notice. Contact us to arrange. Private viewings also available.
All antique and vintage items are sold as described and all sales are final. Each listing includes detailed condition notes and photographs so you can make a fully informed decision. We encourage buyers to ask questions — about condition, dimensions, finish, provenance — before purchasing.
Antiques are irreplaceable and one-of-a-kind. Carrier handling is outside our control once a piece has left our facility, and major carriers including FedEx do not insure antiques. We do everything within our power to ensure safe transit, but cannot accept liability for carrier damage. If damage occurs in transit, we will provide full documentation to support your carrier claim.
Have a question? — we're happy to provide additional photos, condition detail, or discuss the piece directly.
