do you ever come across something so perfectly, gorgeously worn, something that gives a loud holler to a life well-lived? and you just have to somehow find a way to own it? well, that's sort of how i felt when i saw this stool sitting in the corner of a basement in Portland, OR. this relic comes to you straight from the estate of a commissioned medical officer in the US Army who served into the 1950's and had a home filled with fascinating objects from his time in the service. it's completely cast iron, with its original paint job slowly chipping away. (the blue reflection on the edge of the seat is a reflection of the sunny blue skies we're experiencing today. there's no blue actually on the stool.) the stool seat spins up and down, and the 4 rungs are ready to hold your feet comfortably for as long as you need to sit down. i hope somebody i know buys this stool so that i can continue to gaze at it every now and then.
This Burroughs office chair has an interesting, nerdy story to tell but it's hard to say exactly what it is. In 1886, the American Arithmometer Company was established in St. Louis by William Seward Burroughs. In 1904, it changed its name to Burroughs Adding Machine Company and moved operations to Detroit. Fast forward to 1953 when the company changed its name again to Burroughs Company. (to reflect its entry into the sophisticated computer industry) So then, based on the company's history and the original label still affixed to the back of this chair that reads "Burroughs Adding Machine Company, Detroit Michigan, Made in U.S.A." we're safe to assume this chair likely dates to the 1940's or early 50's. With that being said, it's a vintage office chair to behold- rare in its lively red color, and rarer still that it's from the Burroughs plant. You'll be hard-pressed to find another office chair in its original state that's similarly fantastic with only some scratched paint on the metal frame and a few scuffs on the vinyl to give away its age. I've attached an archive photo of a Burroughs graphic designer sitting on what looks to be the same type of chair- he has some sort of slipcover over the back and seat, though, in order to preserve his beaut for future vintage furniture collectors to appreciate in the coming century. I found this red gem on a gorgeous stretch of highway near Salem, OR. Give it a new and interesting life in your home or office. I bet he'll appreciate your fancy computer.
