Original Civil War Period Large Folding Camp Chair

Original Civil War Period Large Folding Camp Chair – Mid-19^th century, Victorian custom and health perceptions dictated that sitting on bare earth was not advisable. In accordance with this belief, soldiers sought various means by which they could rest in camp, without sitting directly on the ground by using ammunition and hardtack crates. For long term camps, many soldiers used civilian folding stools or chairs or even regular dining chairs, if available near the campsite. Commonly seen in period photographs of Civil War camps were folding chairs with carpeted and canvas seats. Many officers would actually bring these chairs with them; as the war progressed, thousands of these folding chairs would be manufactured to meet a growing demand. This example is a larger, folding chair that is a bit more elaborate than most of the commonly found Civil War camp chairs. This chair has a lengthy, floral motif, carpeted seat and back, that is attached to a stained, wooden frame, that can be allowed to nearly flatten out, providing the sitter with a rather relaxing rest; the wooden frame also has arm rests for the sitter. The angle of the back of the chair can be adjusted by lowering the section of the frame attached to the back, into notches in the rear legs of the chair. Additionally, the entire chair can be folded flat for ease of transportation. The chair remains in overall very good condition; there are a couple of very small frayed areas in the carpet seat and back, but generally, the carpet remains in overall strong condition; the adjustable, wood frame is in very good condition, retaining its original finish. We often see folding camp chairs, some appearing to be of postwar vintage. This example is definitively war period and one of the more unusual styles we have encountered.

Measurements: Height of back when chair is in a regular sitting position – 42.5”; Width – 24.5”