Centripetal Spring Chair from a Pullman Train Car, 1860-1880

Summary

Seating in most American railroad passenger coaches meant a basic, two-person bench. But a Pullman parlor car offered greater amenities in return for its higher fare. Individual seats provided softer cushioning, richer upholstery, and more comfortable armrests. The ride in this chair was further smoothed by the centripetal metal springs underneath it.

Seating in most American railroad passenger coaches meant a basic, two-person bench. But a Pullman parlor car offered greater amenities in return for its higher fare. Individual seats provided softer cushioning, richer upholstery, and more comfortable armrests. The ride in this chair was further smoothed by the centripetal metal springs underneath it.

Artifact

Centripetal spring chair

Date Made

1860-1880

Creators

Unknown

Place of Creation

United States 

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

41.46.2

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Michigan Central Railroad Company.

Material

Cast iron
Iron (Metal)
Maple (Wood)
Steel (Alloy)

Dimensions

Height: 31 in

Width: 26.5 in

Depth: 32.5 in

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