Supreme Court Justices' Chairs
Makers unknown
Mahogany, circa 1860
Size: varies, approx. 40" h.
Catalog Nos. 65.00003, 65.00005.001 - .003,
65.00006.001 (originals)
65.00004, 65.00007.001 - .003 (reproductions)
S-141, Old Supreme Court Chamber
U.S. Senate Collection
Office of Senate Curator
Behind the justices' desks in the Old Supreme Court Chamber are nine chairs typical of the styles adopted by members of the Court about 1860. Although justices all use uniform chairs today, it was once customary for each justice to choose his or her own chair design. Therefore, chairs of varying sizes and styles can be seen in the Old Supreme Court Chamber.
There are nine justices' chairs in the Old Supreme Court Chamber, five of which are original. Although nine justices served on the Supreme Court in 1860, the number of justices fluctuated from five to ten between 1789 and 1869.