An Actual Prison-Used Electric Chair.

An Actual Prison-Used Electric Chair. Over the years we have seen several purported electric chairs, one of which we even owned briefly. However, one was never certain with any of these three whether they were authentic or merely movie props, or perhaps made for a macabre museum display. But the chair offered here appears in every way utterly authentic. Its fittings are correct and the entire unit has a consistent patina of age and use that would be all but impossible to fabricate.

The chair was obtained by the consignor in Pennsylvania, from a retired prison guard who chose to remain anonymous, but who declared that it was removed from a Pennsylvania penitentiary when replaced around 1940. It is constructed of oak with leather and metal accessories. A panel in the seat is removable, so that during an execution a bucket could be placed below, as dying prisoners would normally evacuate their bowels. Two adjustable metal restraints are formed to hold his shoulders in place. The headrest, covered in an old style of simulated leather and a terry cloth like material, is also adjustable. Leather restraints for wrists and legs with original buckles. An authenticating characteristic is the lack of a metal cap, which fit down over the prisoner's head and delivered the electrical current. Undoubtedly for visual impact this was found attached to two of the inauthentic chairs we have seen in the past. However, the original fixture was attached to the wall at the power source, and was not an integral part of the chair itself.

Height 50", width 29". Aside from desirable even wear, it is in excellent condition. Obviously not for everyone, but for anyone with a genuine interest this is an extremely rare and desirable item with incredible display presence.

Shipping: Requires 3rd Party Shipping (view shipping information)

Important notice: Heritage usually auctions material at the rate of 100-110 lots per hour. On some occasions eBay Live bid software or the Internet may not be able to keep up with the pace of the auction. We recommend placing a realistic absentee bid now as insurance to avoid disappointment. Occasionally the auctioneer may eliminate or reject an eBay Live bid, and the auctioneer may also reopen a lot after the close of the eBay live bidding (usually because we missed an audience bid), and may reject your bid even if it shows you as the winning bidder. By bidding via eBay Live, you agree that Heritage may award the lot to another bidder at its sole discretion under the circumstances described above or any other reasonable circumstances. Since eBay bids are not shown to us until we open the lot on the floor, we treat those bids just like floor bids. In most cases the floor responds before the eBay bid is presented to us, due to Internet lag time, so for consistency we have made it a policy that floor bids are always considered first over tie eBay live bids. Also please note that all Heritage lots purchased through eBay Live carry a 22.50% Buyer's Premium with a $9 minimum Buyer's Premium. Please make sure you read the Terms and Conditions before you bid. This lot is being auctioned in conjunction with a live floor auction by Heritage Auctions. All final auction and invoice information will be supplied by Heritage Auctions, and all other information should be considered preliminary. Lot:47260

Winning Notification and Billing: After the FINAL session in this auction is complete, Heritage will send e-mail and snail mail invoices. This process normally takes several days. All final auction and invoice information will be supplied by Heritage Auctions, and all other information should be considered preliminary.

Second Chance Offers: Heritage does not make Second Chance Offers. Once our auction ends, if you receive a Second Chance Offer to buy this item DO NOT accept the offer. Please forward any Second Chance offer emails received on one of our auctions to eBay's Safe Harbor Department.

This auction will be conducted on a live auction floor and over the Internet through eBay Live. If you choose to place an absentee bid, please take a moment to learn how eBay Live absentee bidding works