Brown Bros. Suspensory Chair

You could be forgiven for thinking that this chair was a variant of the many folding Liner or Deck Chairs made at the end of the 19th century. However, it dates earlier than that with its makers, Brown Brothers, listing themselves as its patentees as early as 1851.

As can be seen from their entry in British Campaign Furniture they note that it is 'capable of instant conversion into camp or temporary beds invaluable for emigration purposes and particularly adapted for warm climates'. Certainly the Suspensory Chair was made to stand up to the rigours of travel. It folds and locks to a very flat position and is made of solid, rather than tubular metal. It also has brass castors to easily move it once set up. The chair can be set into five different positions for use with the lowest almost horizontal, allowing it to be adapted, as Brown Brothers suggested, as a form of bed.

Although the firm's biggest customers were probably military officers they were fully aware of the cross over potential into domestic use and indeed advertised their goods 'For Barracks, Home Use, or Travelling'. They also made numerous other patent items for travel and offered a catalogue. This chair has a good brass label, as illustrated, and going on Brown Brothers' recorded dates was made between 1851 and 1872.
Dimensions in highest position is given.