Description
Various forms of Chinnock’s stands in inlaid mahogany and papier-mâché are known. So called metamorphic furniture like this that could be altered to different forms and purposes were popular gadgets in Victorian England; Chnnock’s was apparently a specialist in these forms, that operated with their patented hardware. A classified advertisement in The Illustrated London News in 1846 contains the following details for Chinnock’s ‘extensive metamorphic product line, the first item being an adjustable stand:
CHRISTMAS PRESENTS. — Chinnock’s Patent Self-Acting Screen, Work-Table, and Music-Stand, in one elegant and inexpensive article; Recumbent Chairs and Couches, for Dining, Drawing-room, and Library; Protean Looking-glasses; Pedal Music-stools, Portable Easels, &c. &c. may be had at all leading Upholsterers, and at the Patentee’s, 52 Regent-street. The Public and Trade are cautioned against purchasing any article not having a label stamped “Chinnock’s Patent.”
The Chronological Index of Patents of Invention lists a patent granted in 1847 to “Charles Chinnock, of No. 52, Regent’s Quadrant, in the county of Middlesex” for an invention related to “regulating motion and controlling friction in the joints and other parts of furniture, machinery and carriages.” Middlesex County is contained within Greater London.
Octagonal brass plate on underside has a raised design with the British coat of arms and the words CHINNOCK’S PATENT SCREEN.
Condition: Generally very good with the usual overall wear and minor restorations.
References:
“Advertisements.” The Illustrated London News. 26 December 1846. p. 415. Online at Google Books: https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Illustrated_London_News/W9FCAQAAIAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1 (4 April 2022).
Woodcroft, Bennet. Titles of Patents of Invention, Chronologically Arranged. 1823-1853. Vol 2. London: Queen’s Printing Office, 1854. p. 1356. Online at https://www.google.com/books/edition/Titles_of_Patents_of_Invention_Chronolog/sFWo1zJ4cXgC?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=chinnock%27s+52+regent+street+london&pg=PA1356 (4 April 2022).
