Vintage Steamer Chair Recalls the Golden Age of Leisure Travel, by Paris Manufacturing

Details

Description

This piece is an exceptional, beautifully preserved example of a Vintage Steamer Chair, commonly known as a Steamer Deck Chair … Read more This piece is an exceptional, beautifully preserved example of a Vintage Steamer Chair, commonly known as a Steamer Deck Chair or Ocean Liner Lounge. This one features its highly coveted, complete original configuration—including the matching canvas sun canopy and a detachable slatted footrest. The wide, heavily rounded paddle armrests, adjustable notched reclining track on the rear legs, and fringed fabric sunshade epitomize the golden age of leisure travel.

STYLE: This represents classic Nautical Americana / Campaign Furniture. This category of utility furniture was built strictly to fold entirely flat, with heavy-gauge iron rivets, specialized pivoting pins and locking hinges that allow the frame, canopy, and footrest to collapse smoothly for space-saving storage and transport. Additionally, beyond comfort, the goal was resilience against outdoor elements.

MATERIALS: This piece is crafted from premium solid American oak. These specific dense hardwoods were chosen by northeastern workshops for their distinctively rich, open grain pattern and excellent structural flexibility under stress.
The lounge also features heavy-duty woven cotton canvas duck styled in a bold cranberry-red and cream awning stripe, finished with traditional white cotton tassel fringe.

HISTORY:
As clearly indicated by the crisp branding stamp under the armrest, this Model No. 481 was proudly manufactured by the Paris Manufacturing Company based out of South Paris, Maine, USA. This specific model and stamp design dates it precisely to the 1920s to 1940s.

Founded in 1861, the Paris Manufacturing Company was legendary for its elite steam-bent wood craftsmanship, famously producing high-end sleds (they eventually acquired Flexible Flyer) wooden speedboats, skis and rugged outdoor folding furniture.

These luxury chairs were engineered primarily for passenger use on the wide strolling promenades of Transatlantic ocean liners. They provided wealthy travelers a place to recline comfortably, fully shielded from the blinding sea sun by the integrated canopy. Because of their immense popularity at sea, premium companies marketed them directly to affluent families for use on sprawling estate lawns, lakeside cottage porches and exclusive coastal country clubs.

Signature/Maker’s Mark: Under armrest (photo #16). See less