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Widdicomb Furniture Co. Armchairs

American

Admirers of vintage mid-century modern furnishings likely recognize the Widdicomb Furniture Company name for the fruitful partnerships it forged with iconic designers such as Frank Lloyd Wright, T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings and Mario Buatta. But there is more to the Widdicomb story than the albeit quite covetable sofas and bedroom furniture it produced during the middle of the 20th century.

A wealth of pine and oak forests rendered Grand Rapids, Michigan, a logging center during the 1800s, and it eventually gained recognition for its furniture industry. The American city became a destination for furniture makers who hailed from across the United States and beyond. Furniture maker George Widdicomb emigrated from England to the United States in 1845, eventually setting up a cabinet shop in Syracuse, New York, before moving west to Grand Rapids. There, he opened a shop with his four sons, including John Widdicomb, whose name would help carry the family legacy into the 20th century.

The Widdicomb shop in Grand Rapids prospered, as the patriarch’s formal English training allowed him to produce pieces with superior craftsmanship compared to those of his competitors. Although the Civil War halted business and took the life of one of the Widdicomb brothers, the family’s survivors would start anew as Widdicomb Brothers and Richards, soon renamed the Widdicomb Furniture Company.

John Widdicomb, however, split from the family business in 1897 to create the John Widdicomb Company, where he would go on to focus on Louis XV- and French Provincial-style furnishings. Chairs made in these styles have distinct characteristics, such as floral motifs carved in the frames and gently angled backrests. John's company also remained a family affair: The founder’s son, Harry, assumed control of the company when his father died in 1910, while John's nephew Ralph Widdicombe — who retained the English spelling of his last name and joined the John Widdicomb Company at its start — designed every single piece of the offerings at his uncle's manufacturing outfit until he retired in 1951. Ralph was an internationally distinguished furniture designer whose modern mahogany bedroom suite won first prize at the Paris Exposition in 1900.

The original iteration of Widdicomb, which was helmed by John's older brother William while John ran his own brand, had shifted from making period revival styles of furniture, such as Georgian and Chippendale, to manufacturing modern pieces in the late 1920s. Today vintage Widdicomb seating, tables and other pieces produced during the postwar years are particularly sought after by collectors of mid-20th-century furniture.

In 1959, master woodworker George Nakashima created his Origins collection for Widdicomb when the firm merged with Mueller Furniture Corporation and was known, for around 10 years, as Widdicomb-Mueller. Origins, a revered Shaker-influenced group of nightstands, upholstered lounge chairs, dining-room tables and more, saw Nakashima working with woods like Carpathian elm and laurel in his Pennsylvania studio.

Eventually, the two Widdicomb companies would combine in 1970, operating under the name John Widdicomb Co.

In 2002, the business closed after more than a century of operations, and its assets were acquired by Stickley Furniture. Interestingly, it was not the first time Widdicomb and Stickley overlapped: In the final years of the 19th century, the companies opened a shared storehouse in London, while John Widdicomb and Albert Stickley would travel Europe together for the purposes of research.

Find vintage Widdicomb coffee tables, case pieces, dining chairs and more on 1stDibs.

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Creator: Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Asia Modern Chinese Style Armchair
By Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in New York, NY
Stylish decorative, occasional chair, in the Asia Modern, Chinese Style. Produced by Widdicomb, Far East Collection Ca 1950's. The cushion will need to be reupholstered, but the fram...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Widdicomb Furniture Co. Armchairs

Pair of T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Open Armchairs
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Chicago, IL
Restored T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings maple framed open armchairs with new dark chocolate wool upholstery.
Category

1950s American Vintage Widdicomb Furniture Co. Armchairs

Materials

Velvet, Maple

Pair of T. H. Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb Arm Chairs
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Kansas City, MO
Elegant pair of Robsjohn-Gibbings armchairs.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Widdicomb Furniture Co. Armchairs

Materials

Cane, Mahogany, Upholstery

Pair of T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Sleek Lined Armchairs for Widdicomb
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of expertly restored sleek lined arm chairs designed by T. H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb. Holland & Sherry wool upholstery in a grey and white very small checker board patt...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Widdicomb Furniture Co. Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Rare Armchairs by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Rovereta, SM
Pair of very rare Widdicomb armchairs Elegant and timeless design by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings from the 1950s , in very good vintage condition.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Widdicomb Furniture Co. Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Walnut Open Armchairs by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in North Miami, FL
Newly upholstered solid walnut armchairs by T. H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Furniture, circa 1950. Two available, priced and sold individually at $3200 each.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Widdicomb Furniture Co. Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Paul McCobb for Widdicomb Walnut Armchairs, Newly upholstered
By Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Grand Rapids, MI
USA, 1950s Paul McCobb for Widdicomb walnut frame armchairs, newly upholstered in a chocolatey burgundy fine wool blend with all new foam. Elegant design by Paul McCobb. Both the sea...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Widdicomb Furniture Co. Armchairs

Materials

Wool, Walnut

T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbons Arm Chairs Pair and Foot Stool, Widdicomb 1950's
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in London, GB
Pair of elegant and timeless lounge chairs and foot stool by the legendary T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings. U.S.A., Widdicomb Furniture Co, circa 1955, United States. Two armchairs and one ma...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Widdicomb Furniture Co. Armchairs

Materials

Wool, Walnut

T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Walnut and Blue Vinyl Dining Armchair
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in New York, NY
American Mid-Century dining armchair with a shaped walnut frame and bright blue vinyl upholstered seat and back cushions, resting on four angled dowel legs. (T.H. ROBSJOHN-GIBBINGS F...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Widdicomb Furniture Co. Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood, Walnut

T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb High Back Orange Upholstered Lounge Chair
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in New York, NY
American mid-century lounge armchair with a high back and bright orange fabric upholstery, resting on a walnut base with four short tapered dowel legs. (T.H. ROBSJOHN-GIBBINGS FOR WI...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Widdicomb Furniture Co. Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Walnut

T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Armchairs, Walnut, Fabric, USA, 1950s
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of walnut and off-white fabric armchairs or side chairs designed by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings and produced by Widdicomb, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA, 1950s. 20” seat height
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Widdicomb Furniture Co. Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

Pair of T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Striped Upholstered Walnut Dining
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in New York, NY
PAIR of Mid-Century dining armchairs with beige and gold striped fabric upholstery and a walnut frame with thin delicate arms, and curved slat backs, resting on four tapered legs. (T...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Widdicomb Furniture Co. Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Walnut

Pair of T. H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Lounge Chairs in Romo Fabric for Widdicomb
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Pair of 1950s iconic walnut Lounge Chairs designed by T. H. Robsjohn-Gibbings and made by Widdicomb newly professionally refinished and reupholstered in designer Romo fabric...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Widdicomb Furniture Co. Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Midcentury Upholstered Wood Lounge Chair by Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Detroit, MI
This beautiful vintage Mid-Century Modern arm chair was designed by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings (English, 1905-1976) for Widdicomb circa 1950. The unique and elegant design features clean, Minimalist lines and gentle curves. The chair is impeccably constructed with a solid wood frame, angled legs and sculptural...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Widdicomb Furniture Co. Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Purple Tufted Vinyl Lounge Chair
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in New York, NY
American mid-century lounge / armchair with a square walnut frame and purple vinyl upholstery with a button-tufted back, resting on four slightly curved and tapered walnut legs. (T.H...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Widdicomb Furniture Co. Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb 'French' Walnut and Floral Upholstered
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in New York, NY
American mid-century 'French' lounge / armchair with a shaped walnut frame, square back, and multi-colored floral back and seat upholstery, resting on four gently curved walnut legs....
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Widdicomb Furniture Co. Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood, Walnut, Fabric

T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Black Tufted Leather Lounge Chair
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in New York, NY
American mid-century lounge / armchair with a square walnut frame and black leather upholstery with a button tufted back, resting on four slightly curved and tapered walnut legs. (T....
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Widdicomb Furniture Co. Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood, Walnut, Leather

T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Dining Chairs
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A complete set of six dining chairs designed by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb. Two armchairs and four sides. A matching dining table is also available. Upholstery is original ...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Widdicomb Furniture Co. Armchairs

Materials

Wood

Curvaceous Tub Chairs by Widdicomb
By Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of curvaceous tub chairs, made by Widdicomb, circa 1960s. These lounge chairs are currently being refinished and reupholstered and can be co...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Widdicomb Furniture Co. Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

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Mid Century Modern Gunlocke Style Walnut Arm Chairs. Featuring floating backrest, black vinyl, sculpted arm rests, and wooden frames. Please confirm location with seller (NY or NJ)
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Mid-Century Modern Lounge Armchair Style of Jens Risom
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Fabulous upholstered lounge armchair sold by B. Altman & Co. In excellent original condition with new foam in seat cushion.
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Two Robsjohn Gibbings For Widdicomb Dining Chairs
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Pasadena, TX
A set of two dining chairs designed by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings and made by Widdicomb. Bleached mahogany frames with red seats. One armchair and one side chair.
Category

1950s American Vintage Widdicomb Furniture Co. Armchairs

Materials

Mahogany

Pair of Asian Burmese Style, 19th Century Oak Carved Armchairs
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Pair of Asian Burmese style, 19th century oak carved armchair with square back and brown leather upholstered seat and back.
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19th Century Asian Antique Widdicomb Furniture Co. Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Oak

19th Century Pair of Asian Armchairs
Located in High Point, NC
Pair of 19th century Asian teak armchairs with pierced back supports with marble inserts. Measures: Seats 18.5” H.
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Widdicomb Furniture Co. Armchairs

Materials

Marble

19th Century Pair of Asian Armchairs
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H 40.75 in W 21.25 in D 20 in
Widdicomb Style Armchairs
By Widdicomb Furniture Co.
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Mid-Century Modern style wood frame chairs in the style of John Widdicomb. (Please confirm item location - NY or NJ - with dealer).   
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Widdicomb Furniture Co. Armchairs

Materials

Wood, Fabric, Upholstery

Widdicomb Style Armchairs
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H 35 in W 25.5 in D 25 in
Pair of Widdicomb Armchairs by T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings
Located in New York, NY
A pair of Widdicomb armchairs designed by T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings. Mahogany frames.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Widdicomb Furniture Co. Armchairs

Materials

Mahogany

Pair of Unusual Slipper Chairs by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Widdicomb, circa 1950s
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A pair of rare and unusual French style slipper chairs by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb, circa 1950s.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Widdicomb Furniture Co. Armchairs

Materials

Walnut

T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb Dining or Desk Chair
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in St. Louis, MO
Listed is a single classic slat back dining chair by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb. Shown in original finish, but includes refinishing in color shown or dark espresso, custom ...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Widdicomb Furniture Co. Armchairs

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Milo Baughman Style Armchairs
By Milo Baughman
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This elegant pair of vintage modern chrome frame arm chairs feature comfortable upholstered armrests with unique designs on the fabric. The thick padded seat and back rest ensure max...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Widdicomb Furniture Co. Armchairs

Materials

Chrome

Slipper Chair by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb
By John Widdicomb, T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Van Nuys, CA
A wonderful Robsjohn-Gibbings armchair with carved teak frame and a tufted eggshell white seat for Widdicomb.
Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Widdicomb Furniture Co. Armchairs

Materials

Teak

Pair of Asian Modern Mahogany Floating Seat Armchairs
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of Asian Modern carved mahogany wood and ivory print silk upholstered armchairs. Wide set arms with floating seat on doweled spacers. Tall backs wit...
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1950s American Vintage Widdicomb Furniture Co. Armchairs

Materials

Mahogany, Silk

Previously Available Items
Mid-Century Modern Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb Armchair & Ottoman
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A Robsjohn Gibbings armchair and ottoman for Widdicomb. This fabulous lounge chair boasts an extraordinary silhouette, and a beautiful color combination. This armchair and ottoman co...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Widdicomb Furniture Co. Armchairs

Materials

Fabric

Pair of Armchairs by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Grand Rapids, MI
USA, 1950s Pair of all original armchairs designed by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb in their original pale celery green and pale pink plaid check. Sculpted wooden frames and ...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Widdicomb Furniture Co. Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Mahogany

Mid Century Classic Sculptural T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb Arm Chair
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Hudson, NY
Stunning heavy sculptural chair in near excellent condition.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Widdicomb Furniture Co. Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood, Walnut

Armchair by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Grand Rapids, MI
USA, 1950s Armchair designed by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb. The chair has classic lines and would be a great upholstery candidate. Use as a dining chair or a side chair in...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Widdicomb Furniture Co. Armchairs

Materials

Hardwood

Robsjohn Gibbings Widdicomb Lounge Chair
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in New York, NY
Elegant, sexy and sophisticated lounge chair by style master T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings, for Widdicomb Furniture Company. This example is struct...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Widdicomb Furniture Co. Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery

George Nakashima Dining Armchair for Widdicomb
By George Nakashima, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Black walnut dining armchair by George Nakashima for Grand Rapids, Michigan-based company Widdicomb, c.1960s for their "Origins" collection. This rare dining chair, is one of the few...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Widdicomb Furniture Co. Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Pair of Sculptural T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb Chairs
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Hudson, NY
Stunning pair of heavy sculptural chairs in near excellent condition.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Widdicomb Furniture Co. Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood, Walnut

Rare Paul McCobb Symmetric Group Sloping Armchair, for Widdicomb, 1960's
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., Paul McCobb
Located in Culver City, CA
This lounge chair is absolutely stunning. Clad in a luxurious and soft emerald green velvet, this chair epitomizes mid century modern sophisticated design. The chair features all the...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Widdicomb Furniture Co. Armchairs

Materials

Velvet, Walnut

T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Armchairs for Widdicomb, A Pair
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Culver City, CA
Designed by T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb, these handsome chairs are mid century design at its finest. Clean elegant lines, with a structured solid walnut frame, these chairs ...
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1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Widdicomb Furniture Co. Armchairs

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Walnut

T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Walnut Lounge Chair and Slipper Chair Set
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Set of two chairs by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb: The"French Lounge" chair (Model 2024) and corresponding slipper chair (previously used as 'his' and 'hers' and presented as...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Widdicomb Furniture Co. Armchairs

Materials

Wool, Walnut

T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Sculpted Saber Arm Chairs for Widdicomb
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings sculpted Saber arm chairs for Widdicomb.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Widdicomb Furniture Co. Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Foam, Wood, Walnut

Lounge Chair by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb, Wrap Around Frame
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Kansas City, MO
Lounge arm chair designed by T. H. Robsjohn - Gibbings for Widdicomb, 1950s. The frame has been expertly refinished and is beautiful (see photos). The upholstery is original and we recommend updating. We have it priced accordingly. The seat and back section detach easily from the frame for reupholstering. A fine example of this design., Signed with the Widdicomb Robsjohn...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Widdicomb Furniture Co. Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Widdicomb Furniture Co. armchairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Widdicomb Furniture Co. armchairs are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of fabric and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Widdicomb Furniture Co. armchairs, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original armchairs by Widdicomb Furniture Co. were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider armchairs by Paul McCobb, Ward Bennett, and Adrian Pearsall. Prices for Widdicomb Furniture Co. armchairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $575 and can go as high as $12,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $9,500.
Questions About Widdicomb Furniture Co. Armchairs
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 26, 2024
    To identify Widdicomb furniture, look for a paper label. On tables, you will usually find it on the underside of the tabletop, while it is typically affixed to the bottoms of seats on chairs. With casegoods, search for the label on the backs or bottoms as well as inside drawers and cabinets. The paper label will identify the maker and may also provide information about the name of the collection and/or the year of production. A certified appraiser or expert antiques dealer can also assist you with identification. On 1stDibs, find a variety of Widdicomb furniture.

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