This time a Hunzinger folding chair in original upholstery.

Previously, I have posted a Hunzinger "lollipop" platform rocker.

This Hunzinger chair is one of his folding ones.

What in, my opinion, makes this chair rather special is that retains its original +/- 140 year old original upholstery which survives in rather good condition. A rare survival, indeed. In the areas less exposed, the original rather striking and vibrant kelly green color remains. So much for the notion of those drab Victorians. The pattern is not printed but woven tapestry like.

A virtually identical chair also with it's original, but in my opinion, much less impressive upholstery is in the collection of the Brooklyn (NY) Museum: https://www.brooklynmuseum.org/opencollection/objects/2335

Just cut and paste the URL into your navigation bar to view.

Also see the book based upon the important exhibit of Hunzinger furniture held at the Brooklyn Museum in 1997-8, "The Furniture of George Hunzinger: Invention and Innovation in 19th Century America". See page 42, figure 25 for the 1873 patent drawing of this folding chair. Also see 47, figure 31 and page 48. This was referred to as the "Universal" folding chair. Apparently just the bare frame could be purchased, the least costly option, or in a variety of different upholstery treatments ranging from a simple muslin cover to which upholstery could then be applied to the most expensive option referred to as "figured Tapestry" which would double the price of the basic chair. I suspect that last option is what survives on my chair. Finally, see plate 2 in this reference for the Brooklyn Museum's chair in full color.