A Pair of Early 20th-Century Cast Iron Soda Fountain Swivel Stools With Greek Key Backs.

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Foundry companies across the United States manufactured heavy cast iron furniture for commercial establishments during the late 19th and early … Read more Foundry companies across the United States manufactured heavy cast iron furniture for commercial establishments during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These specific swivel stools were crafted for soda fountains, ice cream parlors, and pharmacies to withstand heavy daily customer use. The frames were shaped in iron foundries using molds, then hand-painted with decorative motifs like the Greek key pattern seen on these chair backs.

Shop owners and soda jerks placed these stools along counters where patrons sat to enjoy ice cream sodas, milkshakes, and light lunches. The revolving seats allowed customers to turn easily and converse while seated at narrow counters. As traditional soda fountains disappeared in favor of modern fast-food restaurants and diners, these sturdy fixtures were often discarded or repurposed in private homes. See less