Vintage/Restaurant Chair ID Help – Any Info Appreciated

Discussion in 'Furniture' started by Jose Garcia, May 9, 2025.

  1. Jose Garcia

    Jose Garcia Active Member

    Photoroom_20250509_184954.jpeg Photoroom_20250509_190807.jpeg Photoroom_20250509_190826.jpeg Photoroom_20250509_190842.jpeg Photoroom_20250509_190901.jpeg

    I’m looking for any information about this chair:


    Who is the manufacturer (factory)?

    Are they still being produced?

    Where can I buy them (online or in-store)? * I need like 40 of them.


    The chair is presumably from Spain. I’m not an expert, so I’d be very grateful for any help or leads.


    Here is a link to a listing where the same chairs were sold, but unfortunately, the seller didn’t know anything about them:

    https://es.wallapop.com/item/mesas-y-sillas-de-restaurante-1000344665


    Thanks in advance!
     
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  2. pearlsnblume

    pearlsnblume Well-Known Member

    I think those are referred to as ice cream chairs. But wait for the experts.
     
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  3. Debora

    Debora Well-Known Member

    A Bentwood chair inspired by the work of the designer Michael Thonet. A ubiquitous design since its introduction in the mid-19th century. A "coffee shop" chair. ("Ice cream chairs" are typically bent metal.) I suspect lots of manufacturers produce versions as does Thonet today. Assume you're looking for a partially upholstered back and upholstered seat for comfort.

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Thonet

    https://www.thonet.de/en

    Debora

    Michael_Thonet_14.jpg
     
  4. Debora

    Debora Well-Known Member

    pearlsnblume, mirana and Jose Garcia like this.
  5. johnnycb09

    johnnycb09 Well-Known Member

    When I waited tables at Pizza Inn 100 years ago (more like 1984) they had chairs exactly like these .
     
  6. verybrad

    verybrad Well-Known Member

    As suggested, a classic cafe chair. Variations have been made for over 100 years. In metal, this has to be fairly recent. Nothing about this says Spain in particular as a source but I suppose it is possible.
     
    Figtree3 and Jeff Drum like this.
  7. Jeff Drum

    Jeff Drum Well-Known Member

    This is based on a Thonet Model 18 chair, first produced in 1859. The one in the pic is clearly a much later variation, with added padded seat and back and much more recently made of steel, as Brad noted. The pictured chairs are not made by Thonet but by a company copying their design, which abound in the market.

    Your best bet is probably to visit restaurant suppliers in your area, both used and new, to see how close a match you can find.
     
    Figtree3 likes this.
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