Midcentury salesmen sample chair??

[NellyLynn]

Hi folks!

I'm new to the forum and what brought me here was seeking information on this item I picked up today from my local thrift.  Not sure if it is a salesmen sample or something else.  Any info would be appreciated!

Measures approx 5.5in tall - 5.5 in wide - 5in deep

Bottom reads designed and built by Otis M. Edwards Jefferson City, MO Patent Pending 448093

Thanks in advance!

[mart]

Pretty sure its not a salesmans sample because I couldn`t find if he received a design patent on this chair style. Or anything else !! What I think you have is the model he had to submit with his request for a design patent !!
This would have been sent with the paperwork to the US Patent Office !! If the request for a design patent was not granted it would have been returned to him if he paid the postage !!
Can you find anything different or unusual about this chair !! Looks like many of the mid century chairs I have seen (and sat in) !!

[NellyLynn]

The only things that appears to be different than any mid century chair I've ever seen is the seat cushion lifts up in the model... Maybe a special storage design patent he was trying for?

[mart]

That's possible !~!  Is the cushion attached to the chair frame at the back ?? Most I have seen the cushion lifted completely out of the chair so it could be turned over !! That way both sides would receive equal wear !!

[NellyLynn]

The cushion is attached by a hinge allowing it to open and close. Inside is also lined with a satin fabric, even though it's a bit dirty now, it was ment to be opened, and made to look nice

[KC]

Awesome!!!  Believe it is a prototype as well.  In the 60's the development of chairs that converted into beds became very popular and this could possibly be one that had a fold-out bed-frame or simply one with storage.

However, it could be a prototype for anything.  It could be for the hinges etc.

The one who makes it isn't always the one who is noted on the patent but could be the company or representative that thier name is on the request.