Psyched On Sikes

 

 

The IP discovered another vintage chair and its venerable American manufacturer this weekend:

 

 

The manufacturer is Sikes out of Buffalo, New York. Much like the Gunlocke Co., Sikes Chair Co. made sturdy furniture beginning in 1859, and even produced some nice Arts & Crafts furniture at the turn of the 20th century.

 

Sikes pioneered “ergonomic” design in their chairs even before that word came into popular use. The particular chair pictured here has “Fixed-Floating” seat and “Kradl-Tilt” back action. One of the charms of these particular Sikes chairs is the impressive hardware underneath the seat that allows for four adjustments to “…shape this chair with tailor-precision to your individual build, height, weight and comfort-consciousness.” The basic design dates to the 1920s, but it may be a later version as it was one of their workhorse designs that was often updated with varying upholstery and features. The IP guesses 1940s.

 

 

 

That aforementioned hardware also makes this already substantial piece of furniture heavy as a son-of-a-bitch. Yet once on the floor, it provides a one-of-a-kind sitting experience. That’s an actual leather backrest, too. It looked pretty filthy at the thrift store, but all it required was a thorough cleaning with some Old English and some elbow grease. The IP also washed, scrubbed, and vacuum-cleaned the remarkably un-worn seat cushion.

 

 

Since The IP is running out of room for another chair at home, he will likely bring this Sikes chair into work for a “visitor” chair outside our Branch’s cubicles; he hopes visitors will appreciate the nice seating.