Sold 13 March 2025 · The Old Cinema

This “Antique Mahogany Metamorphic Chair & Steps C.1900” found a buyer.

It was listed by The Old Cinema. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.

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Description

This antique metamorphic chair from around 1900 ingeniously transforms into a set of steps, offering both functionality and style. Crafted from rich mahogany, this piece showcases the timeless charm of early 20th-century design.

H: 88.5cm W: 41cm D: 50cm Seat height: 44cm Height when steps: 88cm

Physical Dimensions

Height

88.5cm (34.84")

Width

41cm (16.14")

Depth

50cm (19.69")

Declaration

The Old Cinema has dated this Antique Metamorphic Library Chair to the 1900s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1098607

Dealers Internal Reference

45239

Description

H: 88.5cm W: 41cm D: 50cm Seat height: 44cm Height when steps: 88cm

Physical Dimensions

Height

88.5cm (34.84")

Width

41cm (16.14")

Depth

50cm (19.69")

Date of Manufacture

The Old Cinema has dated this Antique Metamorphic Library Chair to the 1900s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Ref

SA1098607

Dealers Internal Ref

45239

About the Dealer

The Old Cinema

Sellingantiques verified Since Jul 2020

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the The Old Cinema Profile Page

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An antique wooden metamorphic chair with a shaped top rail, shown in its closed chair configuration against a plain white background.

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Archive I

Antique Mahogany Metamorphic Chair & Steps C.1900

Archive II

An antique wooden metamorphic chair with a shaped top rail, shown in its closed chair configuration against a plain white background. View II

Archive III

An antique wooden metamorphic chair with a shaped top rail, shown in its closed chair configuration against a plain white background. View III

Archive IV

An antique wooden metamorphic chair with a shaped top rail, shown in its closed chair configuration against a plain white background. View IV

Archive V

An antique wooden metamorphic chair with a shaped top rail, shown in its closed chair configuration against a plain white background. View V

Archive VI

An antique wooden metamorphic chair with a shaped top rail, shown in its closed chair configuration against a plain white background. View VI

The Old Cinema

Telephone 0208 995 4166

Location

160 Chiswick High Road
London
W4 1PR
United Kingdom

Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/theoldcinema

Verified Since Jul 2020

Items For Sale 111

Items Sold 1,555

Email The Old Cinema

Antique Mahogany Metamorphic Chair & Steps c.1900

Ref: SA1098607

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing

ObjectChairs
Period1900 - 1920
StyleEdwardian
MaterialMahogany
ColourDark Brown
MotifsShaped crest rail, Hinged seat panel, Concealed step mechanism, Straight uprights
SizeH 88.5 cm (35 in) x W 41 cm (16 in) x D 50 cm (20 in)

FAQs

A metamorphic library chair is a piece of dual-purpose functional furniture designed to transform from a conventional seating chair into a set of library steps for reaching high bookshelves.

These items are typically constructed from dense hardwoods such as mahogany, oak, or walnut, often featuring concealed brass hinges, pivots, and mechanical locking mechanisms to facilitate safe transformation.

Authentic pieces generally exhibit period-appropriate joinery such as dovetails or dowels, hand-turned wooden elements, aged patination on the timber, and historically accurate metal hardware rather than modern screws.

Such pieces function effectively as functional focal points in home offices, libraries, or living spaces, combining historical character with practical utility while complementing both traditional and contemporary room schemes.

Maintain antique timber by keeping it away from direct sunlight and heat sources to prevent cracking, periodically applying appropriate beeswax polish, and handling the folding mechanisms with care to avoid stressing vintage joints.