ANTIQUE OAK DOUBLE FOLDING AUDITORIUM BENCHES Circa 1905–1920 Set of 12 Matching Units (24 Seats Total)

Offered by the Historical Society of Frankford

1507 Orthodox St

Philadelphia, PA 19124

These early 20th-century solid oak double folding benches were originally designed for church, lodge, or school assembly use. They retain their original construction and patina.

FEATURES • Solid oak construction (quarter-sawn grain visible) • Slatted backs and seats • Folding scissor-brace base • Original strap hinge hardware • Designed for modular row installation

CONDITION • Structurally sound • Original finish with institutional wear • Fully functional folding mechanisms

IDEAL FOR • Church overflow seating • Event venues • Restaurants and breweries • Theater lobby seating • Historic interpretation settings • Film or stage use

QUANTITY AVAILABLE 12 matching double benches Total seating capacity: 24

Local pickup preferred.

Contact: Michael McCormick

             mike@thsof.org

             216-650-3929

Research Notes

Based on the construction details visible in the photographs, this appears to be an early 20th-century American double folding “auditorium” or “opera house” chair, sometimes called a portable pew bench.

Key Identifying Features

From images:

Double-width configuration (factory-built as a pair, not two chairs joined later)

Slatted seat and back panels

Quarter-sawn oak grain (very typical of c. 1900–1925 institutional furniture)

Heavy steel strap hinges

Folding scissor-style base

Fixed back frame with separate folding seat panels

Metal cup/bracket plates on the front rail (often used for floor anchoring or linking rows together)

These features are consistent with portable church, lodge, school, or lecture hall seating made roughly between 1900 and 1930.

Most Likely Manufacturer

Without a stamp or plate, attribution can only be stylistic and construction-based. The strongest candidate would be:

1. American Seating Company (Grand Rapids, MI)

The largest U.S. manufacturer of church, school, and theater seating.

Produced portable folding pew units and lodge seating.

Quarter-sawn oak versions were common before WWI.

Date Estimate

Based on:

Joinery style

Hardware type

Slat proportions

Wood selection

Estimated production: circa 1905–1925