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Unique Warren McArthur Stainless Steel Library Table 1934/35

Creator: Warren McArthur
Offered by: Appleton

Description
A library table by the Warren McArthur Corporation from the mid 1930s with stainless steel frame labeled with a Rome, New York decal stating "Pat. Applied For" which was the first Warren McArthur Corporation label.

The design of this table iStyle No. 1639 is a variant on Style No. 1636 illustrated on page number 35 of the 1936 Warren McArthur Catalog. The difference between the two table designs is that No. 1639 has two legs in each corner rather than the single leg of No. 1636.. The underside of this table top is stamped 3416-1 which confirms its unique design otherwise it would be stamped 1639-8 or 1639-9.

Union Carbide commissioned this table with 14 other McArthur pieces in stainless steel for the terrace of a summer home in Glen Cove N.Y..

This library table is unique.
The table measures:
32" W. 72" L. 29" H.

The introduction of a stainless steel awning frame for terraces was the reason for the commission of this unique grouping of Warren McArthur furniture.

The assembly and installation of the awning along with a complete documentation of the Warren McArthur furnishings were presented in an article in Union Carbide's journal on stainless steel Electromet published in November, 1936.

A single installation view from the same photo session was used by the Warren McArthur Corporation as the frontice photo of an advertising pamphlet published in 1935/36. The McArthur pamphlet makes no mention of this unique use of stainless steel instead starts off with "SMART NEW WARREN MCARTHUR CREATIONS IN ANODIC ALUMINUM....VIRTUALLY INDESTRUCTIBLE AND UNTARNISHABLE. advertising several pieces of McArthur furniture none of which were used for this terrace project.

The table is in good condition. The top has fractured lacquer and wear and the frame shows wear consistent with age but no structural damage..

There were 15 pieces of Warren McArthur commissioned in stainless steel.
A slat back sofa, a pair of Arizona Biltmore lounge chairs with a single ottoman, a pair of Light Lounges, a pair of armchairs, a pair of smoking stands, a side table, a nest of 3 tables and this library table.
A smoking stand from this group is in the collection of the Carnegie Museum of Art, Pittsburgh.

More Information

Documentation:	Signed
Origin:	United States, New York
Period:	1920-1949
Materials:	stainless steel
Condition:	Fair. Wear consistent with age.
Creation Date:	1934/35
Styles / Movements:	Bauhaus, Art Deco, Minimalist
Incollect Reference #:	245424