Industrial Stool by Chromcraft Corporation Stool USA 1944

Rare work stool manufactured by Chromcraft Corporation in 1944, an authentic testament to American industrial design in the post-war era.

This model represents a refined functional and stylistic evolution of the stool designed by Gio Ponti for Montecatini offices in 1938, reinterpreted in an American key with a more technical, essential, and mass-production-oriented approach.

Designed for laboratories, technical environments, and workshops, the stool combines structural solidity, ergonomics, and functional design.

The structure consists of a sturdy five-spoke base in black painted cast iron, mounted on original swivel casters, ensuring perfect stability and mobility.

The seat and backrest, padded and upholstered in original burgundy vinyl from the period in excellent condition, display a beautiful aged patina with signs of wear consistent with professional use, enhancing its authentic charm.

The screw mechanism allows height adjustment, while the backrest is supported by a curved metal structure with a reclining system that emphasizes the engineering approach to the design. Its compact proportions and technical character make it ideal not only as a work chair but also as a sculptural piece for industrial or vintage-style interiors.

Although produced by Chromcraft, this stool shares many structural and aesthetic features with the renowned model by Emeco from the same years, featured on the cover of the book A Taxonomy of Office Chairs by Jonathan Olivares. Both models belong to the same functionalist design genealogy, characterized by a shared industrial language, where form and function align in a direct and essential way.

Sourced from a military base, it is in excellent overall condition with some minor signs of age that do not compromise its functionality or aesthetics-on the contrary, they provide tangible evidence of the over 80 years of life of this beautiful object.

Product Name: Chromcraft Corporation Stool, USA, 1944
Designer: Chromcraft Corporation
Design Year: 1944
Style: American post-war industrial design
Main Materials: Black painted cast iron, metal, original padded vinyl
Distinctive Features: Five-spoke base with swivel casters, curved backrest with reclining structure, screw-based height adjustment system, original burgundy vinyl with vintage patina
Dimensions:

Comfort: Padded and adjustable seat and backrest, designed to ensure ergonomics and support during long working sessions
Typical Use: Originally for laboratories, workshops, and technical environments; today also perfect as an industrial or vintage interior design element
Design Icon: Rare testament to American industrial design; shares features with the Emeco model featured in A Taxonomy of Office Chairs by Jonathan Olivares
Versatility: Usable both as an operational chair and as a sculptural piece for bold interiors
Current Condition: Excellent overall condition with wear consistent with age; fully functional and stable
Additional Notes: Please note that this item is in good vintage condition. Minor signs of aging may be present, which do not affect its functionality. We kindly ask you to consider these features before purchasing.