original and completely intact early 20th century adjustable height "model 511" joseph f. uhl-designed mobile switchboard operator stool or chair with oxidized copper plated finish

SOLD
Out of stock
SKU
UR-23213-15
toledo metal furniture co., toledo, oh.

 

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hard to find and highly sought after antique american industrial early example of a "uhl art steel" adjustable height switchboard operator armless swivel stool designed and patented by joseph f. uhl for the toledo metal furniture co., toledo, oh. identified simply as "model 511", the remarkably intact stool features a distinctive base containing two sets of four inner concave metal straps or arms joined by centrally located circular strips. the plurality of flared edge standards form the visually distinctive patented "spider" brace. the riveted joint components are comprised of "indestructible" heavy gauge sheet-steel formed with suitable dies. the solid steel threaded spindle rotates upwards and downwards within the partially enclosed head or sleeve mounted where the legs converge. the circular seat features a bent steel ring with original quartered or "tiger stripe" oak varnished wood inset. the original, unusually-shaped tilting backrest is fully adjustable, with multiple deeply incised slots or grooves to achieve desired height along the bent solid steel rod backrest. the original highly prized oxidized copper plated or "japanese copper" finish remains largely intact with surface wear evident. the adjustable levers found on the backrest and underside of the stool seat are original and in excellent working condition. the patented swivel casters or wheels with structurally sound forks, composition or hardened rubber wheels and perforated sheet steel plates, affixed to both sides of each wheel, are remarkably intact. again, surface wear from over a hundred years of use is to be expected. a specific patent was taken out for the uhl casters, that were later used on nearly all of their early mobile furniture pieces. the toledo metal furniture company, manufacturer of uhl art steel furniture offered to druggists and soda dispensers, factories and offices a line of convenient, durable, economical and serviceable steel furniture. the uhl idea was conceived and the first chair brought into existence through the "sweat of the brows" of the uhl brothers, joe and clem, in a small bicycle repair shop in toledo, several years ago. this first chair when completed, although crude in comparison with the present-day product, proved the idea a success. it at once established the u-shaped formation of cold-rolled steel as the most ingenious method invented for securing in the legs of chairs, stands and tables a maximum of strength with a minimum of weight without any sacrifice of appearance. it proved that the novel patented truss-locking device was a marvel of simplicity and strength. this office chair is one of the earliest and wonderfully intact examples fabricated by the uhl brothers.

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