Details
Description
A distinctive vintage gentleman’s valet chair manufactured by Babcock-Phillips, a division of Dart Industries, in Richmond, Virginia. Dating to approximately …
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A distinctive vintage gentleman’s valet chair manufactured by Babcock-Phillips, a division of Dart Industries, in Richmond, Virginia. Dating to approximately the 1970s, this uncommon dressing chair combines seating with an integrated jacket hanger, tie bar and concealed accessories tray.
The chair retains its original warm walnut-toned wood finish, tall architectural profile and four beautifully turned legs. Slender black-painted metal supports rise from the seat to hold a decorative molded back panel and the upper valet assembly.
Although the back panel resembles woven cane from a distance, it is actually a solid molded composite panel with a finely textured basketweave-look surface. Its reverse is vertically grooved, giving the chair an attractive finished appearance from behind as well.
At the top is the chair’s most distinctive feature: a sculpted 18-inch wooden jacket hanger accompanied by a separate straight 13-inch tie or accessory bar. The two elements remain connected by the original shaped central wooden support.
Beneath the front of the seat is a cleverly concealed molded service tray. The tray swings forward from the center of the chair and provides a convenient resting place for a watch, wallet, keys, cuff links, tie bar or other personal effects. When closed, it tucks discreetly beneath the seat.
The original black vinyl upholstery has been replaced with smooth, high-quality black leather. One continuous piece of leather is tightly drawn over the seat and secured underneath, creating a clean modern profile without piping, welt cord, decorative stitching or visible seams. The softly rounded leather seat provides an understated contemporary counterpoint to the chair’s vintage woodwork.
An original manufacturer’s upholstery label remains beneath the seat and identifies the maker as Babcock-Phillips, a division of Dart Industries, 1500 Commerce Road, Richmond, Virginia. The historic label records the chair’s original vinyl covering and internal filling materials; the current exterior upholstery is newly installed genuine black leather.
An unusually complete and highly functional vintage valet chair, equally suited to a gentleman’s dressing room, bedroom, walk-in wardrobe, tailored retail environment or thoughtfully appointed guest suite.
MEASUREMENTS
Overall height: 42 in.
Seat height: 17 in.
Seat width: 17 in.
Seat depth: 13 in.
Sculpted coat-hanger width: 18 in.
Straight upper accessory-bar width: 13 in.
Pull-out tray: 8.5 in. wide × 7 in. deep
DETAILS
Maker: Babcock-Phillips
Corporate identification: A Division of Dart Industries
Manufacturing location: Richmond, Virginia, USA
Approximate date: 1970s
Current upholstery: Genuine black leather
Original covering recorded on label: Vinyl plastic
Tray location: Concealed beneath the center front of the seat
Country of origin: United States
SEO TAGS
Babcock-Phillips valet chair, vintage gentleman’s chair, butler chair, dressing chair, men’s wardrobe chair, bedroom valet, vintage dressing-room furniture, black leather chair, walnut-tone chair, 1970s furniture, American vintage furniture, suit hanger chair, coat hanger chair, tie bar chair, pull-out accessories tray, men’s dressing-room furniture, transitional accent chair, mid-century valet chair, vintage leather seat chair, Dart Industries furniture
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- Dimensions
- 18ʺW × 18ʺD × 42ʺH
- Period
- Mid 20th Century
- Country of Origin
- United States
- Item Type
- Vintage, Antique or Pre-owned
- Materials
- Leather
- Wood
- Condition
- Good Condition, Original Condition Unaltered, Some Imperfections
- Color
- Black
- Condition Notes
- Very good vintage condition with a newly installed smooth black leather seat. The leather is formed from one continuous piece, … moreVery good vintage condition with a newly installed smooth black leather seat. The leather is formed from one continuous piece, pulled over the seat and secured underneath without visible seams, piping, welt cord, decorative stitching or tufting. The wooden frame retains its original warm walnut-toned finish with minor scratches, small finish marks, rubbing and natural patina consistent with age and use. The turned legs, sculpted jacket hanger, separate upper accessory bar and central wooden connection remain intact. The decorative back insert is a solid molded composite panel with a basketweave-look front and vertically grooved reverse; it is not woven cane or rattan. The panel and original black-painted metal supports show expected light age-related wear. The original brown molded accessories tray remains beneath the center front of the seat and swings forward as intended. It exhibits minor surface wear consistent with age. The original Babcock-Phillips/Dart Industries upholstery label remains attached beneath the seat and shows discoloration, staining, creasing, fading and fraying appropriate to its age. As with all vintage seating, the chair should be used appropriately and inspected periodically. Please review all photographs, which form an important part of the condition report. less
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