Adjustable Deck Chair by Jean-Pierre Hagnauer

The “Maximilian Lounge Chair” was John Vesey’s finest and most celebrated chair design — it was also his most expensive one to produce, and appeared in a 1959 issue of Vogue. The aluminum frame was wrought rather than cast, solid rather than assembled, and polished to a seamless satiny sheen. An industrial-aluminum screen supports the black-leather upholstery tufted in a pattern that harks back to the 19th century. So too does the chair’s form that’s based on low-slung Latin American planters’ chairs. One that belonged to the ill-fated Emperor Maximilian of Mexico...

This comfortable, superbly carved pair of Louis-Philippe armchairs is unusual in having been made of rosewood, an exotic timber that was rare in France at the 1840s. It is now upholstered in grey felt with black gimp. The chairs come from the estate of the international socialite KK Auchincloss. Born Boston in the 1940s, she moved to Manhattan where she launched a clothing line, designed jewelry for Tiffany, and said yes to a marriage proposal from “Shipwreck” Kelly, the legendary football hero. She would say yes again to Peter Larkin, an heir to the 825,000 acre King Ranch...

Sitzmaschine chair with adjustable back, Stained beechwood. Produced by Jacob and Josef Kohn, Vienna, 1906. Stamped with makers mark under seat.

Ingmar Relling 'Siesta' Lounge Chair. Bent plywood frame with sling black leather seat pads. Designed by Ingmar Relling, 1965. Produced by Westnova, Norwa...