early 1940's original american vintage industrial "uhl art steel" backless factory stool manufactured by the toledo metal furniture co., toledo, oh. the stool retains the original solid maple wood seat is free from breaks, splitting or excessive surface wear. the four-legged base with a brushed and sealed bare metal finish contains four stretchers of concave metal straps connected to the legs and joined by a circular strip in the center. structurally sound and stable. the refinished stool contains a heel ring or footrest supported by four bent steel brackets or straps affixed to the legsthe 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. stool has a seat diameter of 15 inches and stands 26 inches in height.