Brizard & Young “Adjustable Industrial Chair”, circa 1900

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Brizard & Young “Adjustable Industrial Chair”, circa 1900

About the Item

An important and rare iron and wood “Adjustable Industrial Chair” by Brizard & Young of San Francisco, California, dating from the turn of the 20th century. Produced for a brief time in limited numbers, this innovative early Machine Age design is considered to be the first ergonomically adjustable work chair. Shaped hardwood seat raises, lowers, and tilts, and slat back reclines, via a trio of ingenious ratcheted chain mechanisms: Pushing down on a chain with one’s foot (or by hand) releases a pair of spring-loaded pins that lock into notched grooves at set intervals, allowing one to customize the chair’s configuration and comfort for the task at hand. Seat height range is approximately 14–17 inches. Heavy iron and metal frame exhibits an unapologetically utilitarian skeletal aesthetic that places function squarely before form, while ultimately elevating both in the process. Retains all four original steel feet. Seat prominently displays an oval brass plaque stamped with “Adjustable Industrial Chairs Pat. Pend. Serial No. 252”, and manufacturer name & address. A singular piece of American furniture design history with an intriguing story to tell, presented here in overall great untouched antique condition that honors the hard-earned character accrued over more than a century of honest work. The old Brizard & Young Sheet Metal Works signage can still be seen on the brick facade of their charmingly compact former shop at 72 Tehama Street, located in the SoMa district just around the corner from the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.

Creator:
Brizard & Young (Manufacturer)
Dimensions:
Height: 33 in (83.82 cm)Width: 18 in (45.72 cm)Depth: 17 in (43.18 cm)Seat Height: 17 in (43.18 cm)
Style:
Industrial (In the Style Of)
Materials and Techniques:
Iron,Metal,Steel,Wood
Place of Origin:
United States
Period:
1900-1909
Date of Manufacture:
Early 1900s
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Overall great antique condition. Wood has nicks, dings, marks, paint transfer, and tonal variation. Iron frame in great condition, w/ uncommonly minimal signs of very light tarnish. Pull-chain mechanisms work well but require some effort due to age.
Seller Location:
San Francisco, CA
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU955015188322