I could not contain my excitement – I’m sure the gasp was audible across the entire warehouse when I spied No 12 and No 16 right there inside the door. These are genuine Western Union Industrial Switchboard Operator Chairs that had been in use up until the 1940’s when they were replaced with a more modern design. They’ve got obvious wear and will need some caning work and brushing up of their metal. Now, because of that audible gasp, I don’t know for sure how much of a deal we got. The price tag said $475 for the pair – ugh. And the guy already knew I was smitten. (This is where the husband rolls his eyes and wishes I had stayed outside). He did what he always does to counter balance my obvious love for the object of my affection.
Way too much for it, look at the work needed. Nope, lets move on.
And with an audible sigh from me, we do.
After scrounging around for a while longer in the rest of the warehouse, we have to pass No 12 and No 16 on the way out. M walks right past them and I lean over the counter to the owner and say – Is that really the best you can do? Ikea is the next stop. He laughs and says – I can knock off $100. I reel the Mr. back in and beg ask if he’ll reconsider for a lesser price. No 12 and No 16 are now in the garage waiting for a little restoration work by me and hopefully a reasonable caning refurbisher.
Imagine the history the women seated in these chairs have witnessed.
As we drove home with our new treasures in the back of the truck, M said – “Always feels good to me, using something made long ago, something that stood the test of time, that can serve further purpose.”
They really don’t make things like they used to.
