late 19th or early 20th century antique american flush mount drop-down city streetcar stool seat designed and patented by junius p. prentiss of fall river, mass. the compact folding chair contains a rigid cast iron base-plate designed to be secured to woodwork by means of multiple screws. the hinged bar is secured by a pin, which passes through the "ears" and the bar between them to serve as a pivot for the bar to move on. the bar (located along the underside the seat) supports the seat when fully extended. when released or disengaged, the stool seat drop down against the wall. the iron and wood components have been refinished and treated with a clear coat lacquer. the stool was fabricated by the united states counter seat supply co., portland, maine.