Early Warren McArthur Reclining Shampoo Chair, Custom Wood-Base Model, 1930s

This exceptionally rare reclining shampoo chair was created by Warren McArthur, confirmed through its patented tubular-aluminum construction and the surviving shadow remnant of the original McArthur label. Structurally, the piece aligns with the professional all-purpose and shampoo models that would later evolve into the Model 719 series—examples of which are extremely scarce even in their mid–late 1930s forms. That rarity supports the likelihood that this example belongs to an earlier, more experimental moment of McArthur’s production, when his Los Angeles workshop (1930–1932) was still refining both structure and anodizing technique.

The chair incorporates McArthur’s defining innovations: the multi-position reclining seat, padded swing arms, and the articulated headrest mechanism with the cast-aluminum adjustor stamped with the raised “M.” Notably, the custom seat-height range of 24 to 31 inches exceeds the standard catalog specification of 17–24", pointing to a special-order configuration. McArthur’s production model—documented in his period labeling and correspondence marked “Custom Anodic Furniture”—makes clear that nearly all of his output was built to order, adjusting anodizing runs and structural elements per client request.

The dark-stained Ponderosa Pine base is a striking deviation from the aluminum ring bases typical of later catalog models. This may represent an early structural experiment or a special commission, possibly for a film studio or dressing-room context. The wooden base’s proportions and massing are consistent with McArthur’s early practice of over-engineering to ensure stability under the load of a fully reclined shampoo position.

Dimensions: Seat height adjustable 24–31"; arm height approx. 7" above seat; width 24"; reclining depth 28–41"; overall back height adjustable 41.5–48.5".

Condition & Restoration Notes

The chair has undergone careful and historically sensitive restoration. Several non-original 1990s repairs—including chain cross-bracing, added L-plates, and improvised mismatched hardware—were fully removed. An earlier restorer had introduced undersized 0.1875" brass bolts, which did not meet McArthur’s engineering standard and created looseness in the assembly. These were replaced with steel 0.250" bolts, the correct fasteners used in authentic Warren McArthur furniture.

McArthur engineered his aluminum rings with 0.265" precision-drilled holes specifically to accept 0.250" bolts or rods, allowing only minimal tolerance to maintain rigidity. The corrected hardware now conforms to this standard, restoring structural integrity consistent with McArthur’s original design logic.

The wooden base had been coated in a later black paint; it has been returned to a stained surface more appropriate to the period. Replaced casters follow period-appropriate proportions. Upholstery has been renewed; original 1930s McArthur upholstery would have been tacked rather than stapled. Drill patterns at the ends of the wood base confirm the chair originally carried casters in those positions.