Cosco Red & Chrome Mid-Century Kitchen Step Stool Chair, 1950s–60s

A dual-function Cosco kitchen step stool chair in the collectible red-and-chrome colorway, American, circa 1955–1965. The chrome-plated tubular steel frame supports a red enameled steel seat pan with an original padded vinyl seat and backrest. Two pull-out steps tucked beneath the seat extend forward for use as a two-step ladder, then retract flush so the piece serves as a tall counter stool. Both step treads carry the molded "COSCO PRODUCT" mark in relief rubber, confirming the maker.

Cosco (Columbus Specialty Company, Columbus, Indiana) produced this model from the late 1940s through the 1960s, and the pull-out step chair became a fixture of the postwar American kitchen — the kind of atomic-age workhorse that turned up in ranch-style homes across the Mesilla Valley. All components are original, including the vinyl upholstery, the most common failure point on these stools and the detail that separates a routine find from a premium one. The red colorway paired with chrome is the highest-demand combination among mid-century kitchen buyers.

CONDITION

Good and fully functional. Tested; both pull-out steps operate and lock, frame is sturdy. Finish shows wear and loss with paint overspray to the frame, chrome dulling and light surface oxidation, and wear to the original vinyl including creasing and a wrinkled area at the seat's rear edge. Rubber treads show heavy scuffing with some edge lifting to the lowest step. Presents as an honest, used original.

DIMENSIONS / SPECIFICATIONS

• Overall: 34.5" H × 16" W × 19" D
• Seat: 24" × 14" × 12"
• Steps extend out: 12"
• Highest Step: 17" × 9.5" × 6.5"
• Lowest Step: 10" × 10" × 6.5"
• Frame: Chrome-plated tubular steel; red enameled steel seat pan
• Upholstery: Original padded vinyl (seat and backrest)
• Maker: Cosco (molded "COSCO PRODUCT" on step treads)