cJC'*^'t--^ '-^^ '--^ y^ /*iy e--' f / - ■■;i ■S z;^;-^^ ^^/^"^ ' ^(f^ / ^ ^-^^ A DESCRIPTION OF THE ^■/ MODERN rjinnl /nrniturF MANUFACTUBED BY SAMUEL WALES, JR., NO. 14 BROMFIELD STREET, BOSTON. ENTERED, ACCORDING TO ACT OP CONGRESS, IN THE YEAR 1855, BY SAMUEL WALES, Jr., IN THE clerk's OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF MASSACHUSETTS. ^^/ij THE GUIDE: A DESCRIPTION OF THE IMPEOVED SCHOOL FURNITURE MANUFACTURED AT THE BOSTON SCHOOL FURNITrRE MANrPACTORY SAMUEL WALES, Jr., NO. 14 BROMFIELD STREET, , /^ BOSTON, MASS^'^''^'"''' nXXTSTRATED WITH NUlDEROirS ENGRAVINGS. (y^ ENTERED, ACCORDING TO ACT OF CONGRESS, IN THE YEAR 1850, BY SAMUEL WALES, Jr., IN THE clerk's OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT COURT OP THB DISTRICT OF MASSACHUSETTS. 'A A <57 o I- 'l PREFACE. The new order of scliool furniture, which, is being so generally adopted in the best school-houses in this country, began with " Wales' American School Chairs," represented in the engraving Xo. 1, in the following leaves. They were the first of this series of improvements ; and though a great advance in style and finish has since been made, the original principles which were then relied upon to give strength and durability are unimpaired. These chairs were invented, and first introduced, in 1839 ; and on the ninth day of June, in that year, the school in the town of Chelsea, Mass., where they were first put in use, commenced operations. Since that time, there has been a constantly increasing interest in this enterprise — a rapid enlargement of the variety of articles, and an unfailing demand — until the enterprise has become so extensive, and its products so widely called for, that nothing less than the plan adopted in this pamphlet could give, on paper, an adequate idea of its extent; and no less than the establishment of a manufactory for the sole pxirpose, could be confidently relied upon to meet the constant demand with the fidelity and prompt- ness due to its importance. Thus, a brief statement indicates the origin and increase of this important improvement in school furniture ; but, to realize its actual extent — to trace its real progress, and determine the amount of its usefulness — it would be needful to follow its footsteps into the renovated school-rooms of almost every state in the Union. WALES^ IMPEOYED SCHOOL EURNITUEE. TO THE PUBLIC. The uniform and unexampled success which has attended the introduction of this new order of School Furniture into many of the best schools in this country, has induced the pro- prietor to extend his operations much beyond the original design. To insure the perfect mechanical execution of the work, and unfailing fidelity in the fulfilment of contracts, he has established, in the city of Boston, a School Furniture Manu- factory, devoted to this enterprise. His establishment is furnished with a Steam Engine of ample power : rare and valuable machinery ; competent and experienced men ; and everything needful to embody the capacity to produce first-class work, with unequalled econ- omy, precision and promptness. With the aid of these advantages, and valuable improve- ments and additions, he is now manufacturing extensively, from models of his own invention, some idea of which may be gathered from this pamphlet. In the following pages will be found a description of the styles now in favor, illustrated by numerous engravings ; school-rooms of various sizes and plans, indicating the best method of arranging new furniture ; also, highly valued testi- monials from committees, teachers and others, whose oppor- tunity to judge has been of a practical character. The Engravings have been executed with care, and may be relied upon as truthful representations ; it is proper to say, however, that all well-finished articles will far exceed in beauty the best efforts to represent them without coloring. School Furniture forwarded to any part of the United States. Every article of School Furniture from this establishment will have the subscriber's name thereon, and will be war- ranted. Inquirers after School Furniture are invited to visit the subscriber's Wareroom, and examine specimens of every kind, set up as in actual use. Further information will be promptly communicated, on application, by mail or otherwise, to S. WALES, Jr., School Furniture Manufacturer, No. 14, Bromfield Street, Boston, Mass. WALES' IMPROVED SCHOOL FURNITURE. No. 1. CHAIES; 10 nc 2. 11 3. 12 4. 13 5. 14 6. 15 7. 16 8. 17 SCHEDULE OF HEIGHTS OF CHAIRS AND DESKS. The IMPROVED NEW ORDER is composed of EIGHT SIZES, in every Style and combination represented by the following engrav- ings, as follows : — ES, 10 inches high ; Desks, side next the scholar, 20 inches high. (t (I It It ti It 21 '< '( ti u It tt It ft 22 " " (t It It 11 ft If 23 " « (( It It ti IS 11 24 " " (( (( (t It tt It 25.4 " " (( It tt tt tt tt 27 " " It II It tt tt It 28k " " These sizes embrace all that are needful for scholars from four years to twenty years of age. The following pages exhibit all the improved styles of School Furniture united in a great variety of combinations, suited to the wants of public and private schools, academies, &c. ; and, whether it be the comfort and health of schol- ars, elegance of style and finish, adaptation to its object, dura- bility and economy, or all these qualities in one, that is sought for, the object can be attained by a judicious selection from this establishment. This is the only manufactory in existence which is devoted, as 3. first object, to the manufacture of School Furniture; and it may be depended on for the most improved and best-made articles. N. B. Orders for School Furniture, from persons at a dis- tance, will be executed and forwarded with the same fidelity and promptness, and at the same prices in all respects, as if they were given in person. No. 1. Wales' American School Chairs. The engraving represents all the sizes, as stated in the S\'hedule of Heights of Chairs and Desks. Each chair is based upon a single iron pedestal, which is secured to the seat of the chair at the top, and to the floor of the school-room at the foot. The centre piece of the chair- back, descends directly into the foot of the iron pedestal, intro- secting the back of the seat as it passes, in such a manner as to form a back stay, thereby producing in the chair, as a whole, the greatest possible degree of firmness and strength. These chairs are plain and substantial, presenting no other claims to admiration than such as are due to their durability, adaptation to their object, and perfect mechanical combina- tions and finish. No. 2. Wales' American School Chairs and Double Desk. The engraving represents an Impkoyed School Desk for two scholars, on iron supports, Avith American School Chairs to correspond. Each Desk is furnished with an ink-well, and a metal cover of the best kind. The top is grooved, to accommodate pens, pencils, and other small articles, with a safe resting-place. The parts are joined together in a manner which can only be accomplished with the patent machinery employed for this purpose by the proprietor. No. 3. Wales' American School Chair and Single Desk. The engraving represents an Improved Single Desk for one scholar, on iron supports, and with an American School Chair to correspond. Each Desk is provided with an ink-well, and metal cover of the best kind. The top is grooved, to furnish a resting-place for small uten- sils of study. The parts are joined together by a process which can only be effected by the use of a patent machine adapted to that object. No. 4. Wales' New England School Chairs. The engraving represents all the sizes, as stated in the Schedule of Heights of Chairs and Desks. Each chair is based upon a pedestal of iron, of great beauty and strength, which is firmly secured to the seat of the chair at the top, and to the floor of the school-room at the foot. An ornamental centre-piece passes down into the base of the pedestal, forming the centre of the chair-back and the back stay ; securing thereby every degree of strength which any can have, and forming together a very tasteful style. No. 5. Wales' New England School Chairs and Double Desk. The engraving represents an Improved Double School Deskj on iron supports, with New England School Chairs to correspond. These Desks are furnished with an ink-well and metal cover, and, being made in the best manner, with every im- provement, are, in all respects, a first-class article. No. 6. Wales' New England School Chair and Single Desk. The engraving represents an Improved Single School Desk, with a New England School Chair to correspond. The Desks are supplied with ink-wells and metal covers, and are finished, in all respects, in the best manner. No. 7. Wales' Bowdoin School Chairs. The engraving represents all the sizes, as stated in the Schedule of Heights of Chairs and Desks. Each Chair is based upon an iron pedestal, secured to the seat of the Chair at the top, and to the floor of the school-room at the foot. The ornamental centre-piece of the back passes down into the base of the pedestal, forming the back stay^ and securing all its advantages of strength, &c. These Chairs, having a tasteful scroll top, the centre of the back being in an ornamental form, the finish of the first order, and combining every attainable degree of strength, are regarded with great favor, as a most graceful as well as reliable class of school furniture. No. 8. Wales' Bowdoin School Chairs and Double Desk. The engraving represents an Improved Double School Desk, on iron supports, with Bowdoin School Chairs to corre- spond. Each desk is furnished with an ink-well and metal cover, and is, in all respects, a first-rate article. This combination, in view of its greater degree of grace and beauty, has been received with much favor. No. 9. Wales' Bowdotn School Chair and Single Desk. The engraving represents an Improved Single School Desk, on iron supports, with a Bowdoin School Chair to corre- spond. Each desk is supplied with an ink-well and metal cover. In the manufacture of these desks, every valuable feature is embraced, and the combination has been received with sp"; cial favor. No. 10. Wales' Washington School Chairs. The engraving represents all the sizes, as described in the Schedule of Heights of Chairs and Desks. Each chair is securely based upon an iron pedestal of great beauty and strength ; has a highly finished scroll top ; an orna- mental centre of the back, which, passing down into the base of the pedestal, forms the hack stay^ and secures every attain- able degree of strength and firmness. These advantages, combined with tasteful synmietry, strength, and adaptation to its object, form a chair of unri- valled excellence. No. 11. Wales' . Washington School Chairs and Double Desk. The engraving represents an Improved Double Desk, on iron supports, with Washington School Chairs to correspond. Each desk is furnished with an ink-well and metal cover, and combines, in its construction, every improvement in style and finish. No. 12. Wales' Washington School Chair and Single Desk. The engraving represents an Improved Single Desk, on iron supports, with a Washington School Chair to correspond. Each desk is furnished with an ink-well and metal cover. This comhination embraces every valuable improvement, in its construction and style ; due regard is also had to strength and adaptation to its objects ; and, in view of its combined excellences, it may be considered as among the best styles. No. 13. Wales' Normal School Double Desk and Chairs. The engraving represents a Normal School Double Desk, on iron supports, having two covers, with Washington School Chairs to correspond. Each cover opens a separate apartment in the desk, de- signed for the exchisive use of one scholar. Desks of this kind are grooved ; the parts united ; suppHed with ink-wells, and finished, in every respect, in the best manner. Either of the foregoing styles of chairs may appropriately accompany these desks, and practically would answer the same purpose; but, as a matter of taste and uniformity of style, the Washington School Chair, as above represented, would be preferable. This is, in every way, a superior style. No. 14. Wales' Normal School Single Desk and Chair. The engraving represents a Normal School Single Desk. on iron supports, having a cover to open, with a Washing- ton School Chair to correspond ; the whole being designed foT one scholar. In these desks are combined every desirable feature which attaches to any of the desks described in the preceding pages ; and they are, in all respects, of the most perfect construction. Any other style of chairs, described in the foregoing pages, would answer every practical purpose, if united with these desks ; but, as a matter of uniformity and taste, those repre- sented here are preferable. This combination, as a whole, is of the highest order. No. 15. Wales' Improved Writing Stools. The engraving represents all the sizes, as stated in tlie S<",hedule of Heights of Chairs and Desks. This style is simple and effective ; they will give satisfac- tion, when needed. For most educational purposes, chairs are highly preferable, and this seems to be the general opinion; but, in cases where writing is taught in a separate department, the writing-stool is preferred, as being less expensive, and occupying less room. No. 16. Wales' Primary School Chair. The engraving represents a series of thj^ee sizes, suitable for scholars from four years of age and upward, comprehend- ing all the sizes needed in primary and intermediate schools, to wit : — No. 1, . . 10 inches high. " 2, . . 11 " " " 3, . . 12 " " It will be observed, that the form of these chairs is that of a complete modern arm-chair, the dimensions being adapted to the size and comfort of juvenile occupants. Each chair is based on an iron pedestal, securely fastened to the seat at the top, and to the floor of the school-room at the foot ; thus becoming a permanent article of furniture, and completely avoiding the confusion, irregularity and noise, which are the unavoidable accompaniments of movable chairs in a school- room. No. 17. Wales' Basket Primary School Chair. The engraving represents a series of three sizes, suitable for scholars from four years of age and upward ; comDrehending all the sizes needed in primary and intermediate schools, to wit: — No. 1, . . 10 inches high. " 2, . . 11 " " « 3, . . 12 " " The details stated in connection with No. 16 Apply also to these; and, in addition, these have a tastefully ornamented Book Basket of iron, into which the children can place their books, slates, and other utensils of study. As a whole, in view of their strength, comfort, beauty and adaptation to their object, these are regarded as' the best Primary School Chairs extant. No. 18. Wales' Improved Settees. The engraving represents an Improved Settee, eight feet in length, based upon iron supports, designed for that purpose. Such settees are well adapted for recitation rooms, the walls of school-rooms, for the accommodation of visitors, or for any position where permanent settees are wanted. They are made of any required height, size, or length; often from forty to sixty feet in length, when placed on the walls of school-rooms; and, being without arms or other divis- ions, the whole length, in fact, forming a single settee, have been found to be very convenient, and of good appearance. No. 19. "Wales' Improved Lyceum Settee. The engraving represents an Improved Lyceum Settee, eight feet long, based on iron supports, and divided into five parts or seats, with fancy iron arms, made for that purpose. Such settees are made of any required length, height, or size, and the subdivisions may be few or many, as the case or taste requires. No settee can be stronger than these, when fully subdivided, as in the engraving. In all other particulars, they conform to the description given of No. 18. No. 20. Wales' Teacher's Arm-chairs. The engraving represents two substantial, well-made, and comfortable arm-chairs, having no other claim to novelty than may be due to the fact that they are constructed entirely of hard wood, and are finished without paint of any kind ; they will therefore wear well, and retain their good appear- ance without soiling or defacement, for a long period. No. 21. Wales' Teacher's Arm-chairs, with Cushions. The engraving represents two Teacher's Arm-chairs, of the same character as are described at No. 20, with the addi- tion of cushions to the seats. They are manufactured and finished, in all respects, the same, and their strength and dura- bility may be equally relied upon. No. 22. Wales' Classical Single Desk and Chair The engraving represents a large-sized Single Desk, witli cover opening on pivot hinges at each end ; the whole sup- ported by desk irons of great strength and beauty. The Desk is accompanied by a Washington Chair, like Plate No. 10 ; but purchasers can make their selection from Plates No. 1, No. 4 or No. 7, at their pleasure. The style is complete in four sizes, corresponding to Nos. 6, 7, 8, 9. No. 9 is an extra-sized Chair, which belongs to this style only This style is adapted to the use of Schools and Academies of the highest grade, and exceeds all others in its capacity strength, and beauty. No. 23. Wales' Primary Double Desk and Franklin Chairs. The engraving represents a small-sized Double School Desk, with Franklin Chairs to correspond; all on iron sup- ports ; the whole being made and finished in the best manner. The Desks are made with or without ink-wells. This style, designed for juveniles, has been adopted in a large number of schools, recently, with good results. It con- sists of three sizes, Nos. 1, 2, 3, and is suitable for pupils from four to eight years of age. No. 24. Wales' Primary Single Desk and Franklin Chair The engraving represents a small-sized Single School Desk, and Franklin Chair to correspond. The general de- tails given for style No. 23 apply to this, so far as they accord with Single Desks. The sizes are Nos. 1, 2, 3. The best educators have long favored the use of Desks, as well as Chairs, in Primary Schools ; and recently many schools have been supplied with them, to the great satisfac- tion of the little people who are most interested in their use. No. 25. Wales' Intermediate Double Desk and Fkanklin Chairs The engraving represents a medium-sized Double Desk. with Franklin Chairs to correspond ; the whole on iron sup- porters, and made and finished in the best manner. The style is designed for pupils who rank between the usual Primary and Grammar Schools, for which they are well adapted. The sizes correspond to Nos. 3, 4, 5 ; and each Desk is furnished with a glass ink-well and metal cover No. 26. Wales' Intermediate Single Desk and Franklin Chair. The engraving represents a medium-sized Intermediate Single Desk, and Franklin Chair to correspond ; conforming in other respects to the description accompanying plate No. 25. The sizes correspond to Nos. 3, 4, 5. Each Desk is fur- nished with a glass ink-well and metal cover. No. 27. Wales' Double Desk and Franklin Chairs. The engraving represents an Improved Double Desk, on iron supports, with Franklin Chairs to correspond. Each Desk is suppHed with a glass ink-well and metal rover. The sizes may be found in the schedule of heights of Chairs and Desks. No. 28. Wales' Single Desk and Franklin Chair. The engraving represents an Improved Single Desk, on iron supports, with a Franklin Chair to correspond Each Desk is suppHed with a glass ink-well and metal cover. The sizes are contained in the schedule of heights of Chairs and Desks. WALES' TEACHER'S TABLES AND DESKS. The subscriber is prepared to furnish every description of Teacher's Tables and Desks, of his own manufacture, or to manufacture to order from any desired pattern. This branch of the work is all executed in the choicesi description of hard wood; not a particle of soft lumber, of any kind, being used in their construction. The engravings being exact copies of several approvea styles, persons at a distance can order by designating the number prefixed to the kind preferred, with the certainty that their expectations, as to style and workmanship, will not be disappointed. Every article is made in the best manner, and warrantel No. 101. Wales' Teacher's Table. Without Drawers. No. 102. Wales' Teacher's Table. One Drawer. No. 103. Wales' Teacher's Table. Two Drawers. No. 104. Wales' Teacher's Table. two and a half feet long. One Drawer. No. 105. Wales' Teacher's Table. THREE FEET LONG. One Drawer No. 106. Wales' Teacher's Table. THREE and a HALF FEET LONG. One Drawer. No. 107. Wales' Teacher's Table. three and a half feet long. Two Drawers. No. 108. Wales' Teacher's Table, four feet long. 7V;o Drawers. No. 109. Wales' Teacher's Table. four and a half feet long. TxDO Drawers. No. 110. Wales' Teacher's Table. FIVE FEET LONG. Two Drawers. No. 111. Wales' Teacher's Table. SIX feet long. Two or Three Drawers. No. 201. No. 202. Movable Skeleton Desk. Portable Desk. No. 203. Wales' Teacher's Desk. No. 204. Wales' Teacher's Desk. Three Drawers and Table Top. * Wi-rfy 'b • " '. i'b'"^^' . \ 1 *^"'??"'*™" ! g , c IW*ii No. 205. Wales' Teacher's Desk. Three Drawers and Top Desk. No. 206. Wales' Teacher's Desk. Two Drawers and Table Top. No. 207. Wales' Teacher's Desk. Two Drawers and Top Desk. No. 208. Wales' Teacher's Desk. Foiir Drawers and Table Tap. -imwT ^ ^fJj,lll^'A it'T r// No. 209. Wales' Teacher's Desk. Four Drawers and Top Desk. \& ^ 9 o iS a ',:U , 0, tv ^' ■ No. 210. Wales' Teacher's Desk. Six Drawers cmd Table Top. J'L tt~~-:!^^ ^ No. 21L Wales' Teacher's Desk. Six Drawers and Top Desk. p. to > <-♦ ■ • i :j^ ^ ;=- O^ CD CD O O W_ w oi CD CD ^ 2- -^^ ^* O o y. ^ o ^ 1 > It" the S( pen a ^f ■~5 i/i^ CD S 1 ^ CD j^ > ^ P CD pj l^ P P C6 1 J2 CO s > a o o" ■-i p &. o to r ?^ W S w l>3 -^ Si fcuo ^« ^ jg O 05 be 03 ni o Co '-^ %^ o o o 'T3 (D O ^ (D ■p. ^ o o o ^ 13 ■*-> 3 '^ 2 of Public John W. Mansfield, ; Schools. NOTICE. The Proprietor takes this opportunity to state, that he is the Inventor and Original Manufacturer of the New Order of School Furniture. The styles, sizes, combinations and proportions, are peculiarly his own. This is the only Establishment in existence especially devoted to this enterprise. The variety of styles can be seen at a glance to be very great ; and additions are being made as often as the interests of education require. None but first-class articles are ever suffered to go from this establish- ment. The Proprietor intends to keep a stock of the articles represented in the foregoing pages, so ample as to secure the prompt and faithful execution of all orders entrusted to his care ; and as the workmanship in every case will be of the first class, it is impossible that any rea- sonable expectation should be disappointed. S. WALES, Jr., Original Manufacturer of School Furniture, No. 14 Bromfield St., Boston. TESTIMONIALS. A WORD IN SEASON. The proprietor, having at his command every requisite equipment, is able to supply, at short notice, the new order of School Furniture, made and finished in a superior style, at such reasonable prices as will leave no possible excuse for expending- school money upon un- comely, unsuitable, or coarsely made articles. Instances have occurred, where committees have adopted the error of supposing that this kind of School Furniture can be made by any person, however destitute of such exact experience and equipments, as are absolutely necessary to the work. Under the influence of this delusion, contracts have been made with persons whose knowl- edge of the matter depended mainly upon the engravings and prices of this establishment, and who did not duly consider the advantage of tested models, with machinery and steam power, in the beauty, accuracy, and economy of manufacturing. The consequences of such an oversight are natural and certain. If the contractor is faithful, he is a loser, without success. The committee find, when too late, that they get articles every way in- ferior. They are mortified and censured — the parents are chagrined and dispirited — the reasonable progress of school reform is repressed, and a whole county suffers from the error of a single school district; where the hopes of improvement have been disappointed. These difliculties may be entirely avoided, by forwarding orders for School Furniture to this establishment, the whole force of which is constantly employed on this work, and which has never, in a single instance, failed of giving satisfaction. J:,J^R«RY OF CONGRESS 002 555 145 fl I