1y ago

The rocking chair in this photo

I remember it played a nursery rhyme like a music box when both armrests were gripped.

That’s my sister and I visiting my great-grandmother in her infirmary in *1975. The chair wasn’t meant for visitors, but for children housed in the infirmary.

The chair had metal armrests that acted like actuators, and a metal box under the seat that played nursery rhyme songs like a music box when both armrests were gripped and the chair rocked.

Was this a common thing, perhaps mass-produced, or just something jerry-rigged by some guy?

Have you seen anything like this? Thanks!

(Sorry for reposting; my post went wrong last time.)

You're viewing a single thread.

4 comments

This doesn't appear to have metal arms, but I think it plays music when rocked? It's sold out on Etsy, but maybe you could contact the seller for more details?
Similar story here on ebay, but it's in stock.
I wasn't able to find anything with metal arms or with the high back posts like your picture, but hopefully this helps a bit!
I found a lot of results searching for vintage "kids rocking chair" with "music box" 🤷‍♂️
- Those are pretty similar, thanks!
  I’m wondering if, since the metal armrests aren’t necessary, that may have been a way to keep the children still in the infirmary? Making them keep their hands still?
  Since the items in your links predate mine by 20 years, it seems that having that extra feature wasn’t necessary.
  
  Are you sure touching the armrests was necessary to make it work? In a hospital setting I would think it might have metal armrests just because metal surfaces can be easily disinfected, whereas wood could potentially harbor bacteria and other nasties. Kids aren't exactly famous for hand washing, hygiene, or keeping their fingers out of their mouths, after all.
  
  That’s a good point. eta: I think you may be right.
  I remember having to touch them both, but my memory as a toddler was obviously pretty sketchy.