Description
Rare pair of early 20th Century Paris subway benches. Rare set of Banquettes de m??tro by Cantin Coulaud. Circa 1920s or early 1930s. Section II seating, with the original enamel sign designation on the back side of the benches. Both benches bear the maker??s insignia. Riddled with all the marks of a dutiful, storied life. One can see etchings where subway riders scribbled illegibly?? perhaps caught mid-way having to abandon their attempt at making history. Solid wood seats have scratches, nicks, scuffs and scrapes all showing years of hearty use. No structural damage. Benches are both one legged and would have been attached to the carriage wall. The opposite side of the bench has a straight pipe leg. Looks to be a retro fit in order to get the benches to stand on their own. This is not very stable. Consider bolting these to all wall or sourcing a second leg for the benches. A rare opportunity to own an authentic historic piece of one of the world??s most beloved cities.
Dimensions
36″ Long x 17.5″ Deep x 41″ High (16.5″ seat height)
Condition
Benches have scratches, scrapes and etchings on wood all character wear. Original class signs still intact. Each bench has one original leg and a post-market pipe as the second leg.
