A little of their history:
The Forges of Strasbourg are the renowned pioneers of French metal desk furniture.
Established in 1919, The Forges of Strasbourg, are at the origin of the manufacturers of skeleton in metal, machine for industry…
It’s in 1926 that the company creates the brand “Strafor” (of the contraction of the name of the company) to market all the desk metallic furniture.
This Strafor furniture will be very fast synonymic of solidity and practicality. It is worked in corrugated iron by stamped what confers it a real solidity.
Stamped in the steel, the first signature appears under the name “Forges de Strasbourg”. Then, in the 20s, with the creation of the Strafor brand, it became an oval plate, obviously placed in the pediment of the furniture, wearing the mention “Strafor, Forges de Strasbourg”.
However, the company will know some economic difficulties in the 50s and will find a revival in 1974 by joining the group Steelcase (US group) through a joint venture.
In 1981, the birth of Steelcase Strafor is officialized (capital 50 % Strafor facom / 50 % Steelcase Inc).
But the year 1999 will mean the definitive end of the legend Strafor, the capital Steelcase Strafor was being bought back in 100 % by Steelcase Inc.
We will never see the Strafor style again, but thanks to recycling we should all be able to get one or more in our life!
Why I really do like them?
Well, they are very strong and very light at the same time, 3 times less heavy than their brothers (German and Scandinavian brands…) at that time! And they are so elegant, so aesthetic, all the locksmithery is in brass, the handles of cloakroom, the buttons of lids… It’s the power of the steel industry associated with the elegance of the French Touch !
Why not buying one ? Have a look at what we have in stock at La Boutique Vintage
I particularly love the Strafor clapet (a desk would be nice, too!)
Hi Brian,
What can I add? You’re right it is an amazing item! One of my top 3 favorite! I really love them when they are refurbished with some wood to add a little warm touch (like this one: http://www.laboutiquevintage.co.uk/blog/our-products/industrial-vintage-metal-filling-cabinet-a3/ ). What do you think??
Have a lovely evening,
Helen
we have a lof of Strafor !