exceptionally hard to find early example of a "uhl art steel" adjustable height factory office armless desk stool designed and fabricated by joseph f. uhl for the toledo metal furniture co., toledo, oh. identified simply as "model 511", the stool features a distinctive base containing two sets of four inner concave metal straps or arms joined by centrally located circular strips. the riveted joint components are comprised of 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 oak varnished wood. original contoured tilting backrest is fully adjustable. amazingly, the original oxidized copper plated finish remains intact. 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.