Industrial Swivel Stool, Circa 1950
A genuine piece of mid-20th century industrial workplace furniture, this Industrial Swivel Stool, dating from circa 1950, captures the robust, utilitarian character of the post-war industrial era. Retaining its original paint remnants, adjustable mechanism, and decades of honest wear, it stands as an authentic example of functional industrial design.
Key Features
• Authentic industrial swivel stool dating to circa 1950
• Solid elm circular seat with rich age-related patina
• Threaded screw height adjustment mechanism
• Tubular steel support column
• Lower X-cross stretchers providing strength and stability
• Four metal legs with shaped supports
• Remnants of original industrial paint finish
• Traces of military green paint beneath layers of wear
• Fully functional swivel and height adjustment
• Suitable as seating, display stand, or sculptural plinth
Description
This industrial swivel stool embodies the straightforward engineering and practical construction associated with mid-century workshops, factories, technical schools, and industrial environments. Built for daily use rather than decoration, every element of its design serves a clear purpose, resulting in an object that remains both functional and visually compelling more than seventy years later.
The circular seat is crafted from solid elm, displaying the natural wear, surface marks, and tonal variation accumulated through decades of use. Beneath, a threaded steel screw mechanism allows the seat height to be adjusted smoothly, rising from 50cm to 72cm. The mechanism is housed within a tubular steel support column, a form widely adopted in industrial furniture for its durability and efficiency.
The base is strengthened by lower X-cross stretchers, providing excellent rigidity while expressing the honest construction methods typical of industrial design. Four steel legs terminate in shaped supports, creating a stable and balanced footprint.
Particularly appealing is the surviving paint finish. Layers of age and use have softened the surface, revealing traces of the original military green paint beneath areas of wear. The resulting patina, developed naturally over many decades, gives the stool a depth and authenticity that cannot be recreated artificially.
While originally intended as workshop seating, the stool adapts effortlessly to contemporary interiors. It works equally well in an artist's studio, industrial kitchen, creative workspace, loft apartment, or design-led interior. The adjustable height and compact footprint also make it highly effective as a display stand for sculpture, ceramics, studio pottery, or decorative objects, where its industrial character provides an engaging contrast to contemporary art and craftsmanship.
Dimensions
Height: Adjustable from 50cm to 72cm
Seat Diameter: 30cm
Base Width: 34cm x 34cm
Approximate dimensions.
Materials
Solid elm
Steel frame
Tubular steel support column
Threaded steel adjustment mechanism
Original painted finish
Condition
Good vintage condition consistent with age and industrial use. The steel frame retains remnants of its original paint finish with associated wear, chipping, surface oxidation, and patination. The elm seat displays age-related marks, surface wear, small timber splits, and tonal variation. The swivel and height adjustment mechanism remain fully functional. There is minor movement within the threaded adjustment consistent with age and use, but the stool remains structurally sound and entirely usable.
Origin & Period
Mid-20th century, circa 1950.
Likely British or Northern European in origin, reflecting the practical design language and durable construction associated with post-war industrial workshops, factories, technical schools, and government environments.
Styling Suggestions
Ideal for use within industrial, loft, contemporary, or workshop-inspired interiors. Equally suitable as adjustable seating, a display stand for sculpture or ceramics, or as a distinctive accent object alongside reclaimed timber, steel, concrete, and architectural interiors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the swivel mechanism fully functional?
Yes. The stool rotates smoothly and remains fully usable.
Does the height adjustment still work?
Yes. The threaded screw mechanism allows the seat height to be adjusted from approximately 50cm to 72cm.
Can it be used as a display stand?
Absolutely. The adjustable height, stable base, and strong industrial character make it particularly suitable for displaying sculpture, ceramics, and decorative objects.
Unique Points
• Genuine circa 1950 industrial furniture, not a reproduction
• Retains traces of original military green paint
• Adjustable threaded screw mechanism remains operational
• Strong X-frame stretcher construction
• Suitable for both practical use and display purposes
• Deep, naturally developed industrial patina acquired over decades of use
All your questions answered below...
- Fully insured delivery
- Returns accepted
- Authenticity assured
- UK-based seller, secure checkout
Delivery & Shipping Information
We’re dedicated to delivering every order with care, reliability, and your satisfaction at the heart of what we do.
Fully insured UK mainland delivery is calculated at checkout (typically £12–£45). Larger furniture items may be £60+ depending on item size, access, and delivery postcode.
Please note: the listed price is for the item only. Delivery costs are calculated separately at checkout.
UK Delivery (Mainland)
We are based in Southsea, Portsmouth (PO5) and deliver nationwide across the UK.
Delivery charges are calculated based on the item’s size, weight, and destination to ensure the most accurate and fair pricing.
Free local delivery may be available depending on your location — please get in touch to check availability.
Delivery Areas & Coverage
We deliver to most UK regions and aim to provide the most efficient and cost-effective delivery options available.
For delivery addresses north of Newcastle, or within Wales, Scotland, the Highlands, Ireland, and offshore islands, please contact us before purchasing so we can confirm delivery availability and provide an accurate quote.
International Shipping
We can arrange international shipping worldwide.
Please contact us for a tailored shipping quote.
Delivery Times & Method
Delivery typically takes 5–10 working days, depending on location and order timing.
We use trusted specialist furniture couriers experienced in transporting antiques, vintage furniture, and fragile items, ensuring safe handling throughout transit.
Standard delivery is one-man delivery to ground floor only.
Assistance may be required unless a two-man delivery service is arranged at an additional cost.
Need a Delivery Quote?
For an accurate delivery quote or to confirm any additional charges, please contact us via:
📞 +44 (0) 7973 154860
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✉️ Email us with your full delivery postcode
We can ship to most places. We have the ability to to send consignments Internationally and they are all professionally wrapped, packed and or crated for a safe and successful journey.
There is going to be additional costs and lead times depending on various factors.
The best advice is to get a quote before you decide to purchase any item/s.
Listed in every product description are the dimensions for each product.
This information is provided so you can check if the piece you wish to buy will fit in your home.
Please double check your dimensions. One, to make sure it will fit through any doorway in to your home. Secondly, to make sure it fits in the space you want to place in it in. If in doubt, ring for help!
Any questions please get in touch, here to help.
If you would like to speak to someone before placing an order, check dimensions or have a general question, please call Mark on 07973 154860.
You can email mark (@) campbellvintage.co.uk
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Office Address: 71 Campbell Road, Southsea, PO5 1RJ. By appointment only to this address. Need to be booked in advance.
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Our products come with a guarantee stating they are as described when purchased.
As all our products are either antiques or vintage and have a life before we got them, we do not offer traditional warranties due to the age, nature of the items and their history.
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If you have any questions however small beforehand and to give yourself peace of mind, please make contact. As we are very happy to discuss anything in greater detail.
One last thing! Please double check your dimensions. One, to make sure it will fit through any doorway in to your home. Secondly, to make sure it fits in the space you want to place in it in. If in doubt, ring for help!
Here to help.
We hope you will be happy with your purchase. If for any reason you are unhappy, you may return the item/items to us within 14 days. Please notify us within 14 days.
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