Naval Armchair

A Georgian, mahogany Naval Campaign Armchair.

Naval chair fold quickly on hinges to the side rails which,once the seat has been lifted up, allow the front rails and legs to concertina back against the back legs. With this example, as its an elbow chair, the arms first need to be folded. Behind the arm uprights, where they meet the horizontal arm rest, there is a steel push button that releases the barbed tooth which joins the two parts of the arms together. As the two parts are each fixed on a steel rivet, they both drop to hang vertically when released. This design allows the chair to be folded up much quicker than using bolts to join the different parts. It also means that when folded the chair is still in one part, making it easier to carry. These attributes were important when the call to 'Clear the decks' was given.

Armchair versions of this form of campaign chair are harder to find than those without. This is a classic piece of Georgian campaign furniture that packs quickly to a small size and so was perfectly designed for life on board a warship when preparation for action had to be swift. The cushion to add comfort to the caned seat is new. Late 18th century.

The final image shows a single Naval chair that is also available separately.