2 small solid wood school chairs 1940's(? )"Property City of Seattle"

Looking for general impressions to age, type of wood and what to make of the "Property of City of Seattle" metal plaque, plus a question about how to remove a few stickers on these.

26" tall, so probably for kindergarten or earlier. Would the wood be oak? They are really nicely made, solid and sturdy, no wobble or loose joints, well used, signs of age. Solid wood, no particle board. Possibly some dowels, seat is shaped, a little bit of design to them. Was thinking 1930's-50's.

Metal plaque on the back of one (with a more modern looking font) says, "Property of City of Seattle."

Was thinking these were older, plaque added later? Maybe someone with a Seattle connection would be interested.

Also, one has remnants of a large sticker (last photo)-- what is the best way to get that off?

 

Lucille, just curious but . . . what is the "seat" height?

 

Seat height from ground is 14 inches.

Seat measures 12 inches across by 10 1/2 inches front to back.

 

Thank you for the measurements, Lucille.b.

 

I can’t see any seals or marks from photos, but check for something. Here are examples from a us school furniture co.

 

I didn't notice any maker stamps, but good to check. I'll take another good look.

 

W-D 40 will loosen that adhesive but will leave a bit of oil (which the wood honestly could use). Let it sit awhile & use hard plastic (like a credit card) to scrape & remove without scratching.
You could alternately use a blow dryer to heat/soften adhesive & then scrape with card...

 

I use the hairdryer sometimes for thrift stickers. I'll give that a try first. Thanks.

Yes, these probably could use some oil, too.

 

Hi,
They are oak and solid as hell. made up until the early 1950s. I love them I have one a little newer that I use to stand on instead of a ladder(lot more stable).
greg

 

Lucille I think even the bit of oil in commercial furniture polishes would work if the blow dryer doesn't.
I have a couple similar chairs around for the same purpose @gregsglass

 

Think you're right about the plaques. Inventory numbers added later (evidenced by the more modern font.)

Debora

 

School library chairs is my guess, "deaccessioned" at some point in the game.

 

Just library chairs if they belonged to the city of Seattle and not a school district.

Debora

 

Vintage photo of Seattle's Queen Anne branch library.

Debora

 

Styling says circa 1920 but could have been made for a lot of years later. Tag is definitely much newer. water will soak the paper off. If adhesive left, use mineral spirits to remove.

 

they are darling.....if only they could talk !