Pair of McGuire San Francisco Yellow Rattan Gothic Arch Tub Chairs, 1960s–70s View Watchlist >
Seller Accepts Credit Cards
Payment and pickup instructions will be available on your invoice (under "My Account") at the conclusion of this auction.
Lot # F1146
System ID # 29882124
Start Date
End Date
1 Watching
Pair of McGuire San Francisco Yellow Rattan Gothic Arch Tub Chairs, 1960s–70s
A pair of McGuire San Francisco rattan lounge armchairs in the barrel/tub form, dating to the 1960s–early 1970s. Each carries the original brass maker's plate affixed to the underside of the seat frame, reading "McGUIRE / SAN FRANCISCO / U.S. Patent No. 2,936,009 & 3,297,063." Built from bent rattan pole with the firm's signature rawhide lacing at the joints and woven leather webbing seat support, the frames feature McGuire's distinctive Gothic arch back motif carried across the back and sides — one of the maker's most recognized and collected designs. Frames are painted yellow overall.
Founded in San Francisco in 1948 by John and Elinor McGuire, the McGuire Furniture Company became one of the most collected American rattan makers of the postwar era, its patented rawhide lacing and leather webbing construction serving as brand hallmarks. This pair retains its original construction integrity — the lacing and webbing intact save for a single absent strap — which collectors prize over aggressively refinished examples. Loose seat cushions are included; these are non-original Hampton Bay replacements and carry no collector relevance.
Significance & Rarity
McGuire rattan tub chairs in the Gothic arch form trade actively across collecting platforms, with painted pairs retaining original hardware realizing $400–$900 per pair at regional auction and dealer-conditioned examples asking well above that at retail. The brand holds a strong current following among mid-century and Hollywood Regency collectors, and the yellow-painted finish carries a style premium. The confirmed brass plate with patent numbers is the authentication point collectors demand.
CONDITION
Good and fully functional; both chairs tested and sturdy. Finish shows wear and paint loss consistent with age and use, with rawhide lacing exposed at some wrapped joints. One webbing strap is absent on one chair. Cushions are later Hampton Bay replacements.
DIMENSIONS / SPECIFICATIONS
- Overall (each): 28" H × 25" W × 22" D
- Seat: 18" × 22" × 20"
- Construction: Rattan pole, rawhide lacing, woven leather webbing seat support
- Maker: McGuire, San Francisco (brass plate to underside of each seat)
- Patent Nos.: 2,936,009 & 3,297,063
- Total Pieces: 2 chairs + removable cushions
