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Home / Historical / 2018 August 25 - 26 Americana & Political - Dallas Auction #6183 / Lot #43318
    LOT #43318  | 
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    An Electric Chair....

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    • Antiques:Antiquities, An Electric Chair....
    • Antiques:Antiquities, An Electric Chair....
    • Antiques:Antiquities, An Electric Chair....
    Antiques:Antiquities, An Electric Chair.... Antiques:Antiquities, An Electric Chair.... Antiques:Antiquities, An Electric Chair.... View More >
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    Description

    An Electric Chair. Over the years we have seen several purported electric chairs, one of which we even owned briefly. However, one was never certain that any of these three were authentic or merely movie props. But the chair offered here appears in every way utterly authentic. Its fittings are correct and the entire unit has a consistent patina of age and use that would be all but impossible to fabricate.

    The chair was obtained at auction by the consignor and carried the story that it was obtained from a retired prison guard who chose to remain anonymous. It is constructed of oak with leather and metal accessories. A panel in the seat is removable, so that during an execution a bucket could be placed below, as dying prisoners would normally evacuate their bowels. Two adjustable metal restraints are formed to hold his shoulders in place. The headrest, covered in an old style of simulated leather and a terry cloth like material, is also adjustable. Leather restraints for wrists and legs with original buckles. An authenticating characteristic is the lack of a metal cap, which fit down over the prisoner's head and delivered the electrical current. Undoubtedly for visual impact this was found attached to two of the inauthentic chairs we have seen in the past. However, the original fixture was attached to the wall at the power source, and was not an integral part of the chair itself.
    NOTE: This lot was sold to the consignor by Heritage in auction 6006 in 2008 for $20,315.
    Height 50", width 29". Aside from desirable even wear, it is in excellent condition.

    Auction Info

    Auction Dates
    August, 2018
    25th-26th Saturday-Sunday
    Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 1
    Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
    Page Views: 3,009

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