Simplicity is the ultimate form of sophistication.
— Leonardo Davinci
I suspect Leonardo would think that these vintage army cots were the height of sophistication.
So simple and yet, so chic, modern and smart. These wood and canvas style army cots (aka M-1938’s), were in use before World War II through the Korean War and then evolved to an aluminum frame. Surplus green canvas and painted wood were designations for combat; natural wood and ivory canvas were assigned to hospital duty.
They were designed to be practical — sturdy, convertible and transportable. The utilitarian function was top of mind — a basic canvas cover, with metal fixtures on the wooden frame that afforded the ease of articulation, unfolding into a cot and then folding back up again.
My Dad was a Marine in WWII, stationed in Hawaii. Growing up in Chicago, we seemed to be surrounded by military memorabilia. Official combat gear in our rich Halloween costume box; weekend trips to the Army/Navy surplus store for random shopping needs and a crash helmet that hung, untouched, in our family room. My father rarely spoke of his military days, and was a strident anti-gun, pacifist for the remainder of his life, but we lived with these artifacts that hinted to his experience.
Maybe my love of these cots is mingled in my family’s history? It’s probably not a coincidence that my favorite furniture shape is a daybed or chaise which both hint to this simple form that held me during my childhood.
I have enjoyed reconstructing the cots that I find in my flea market foraging. While the frame’s structure is usually in amazing shape, the details within are sometimes not as pristine. The canvas can be threadbare in spots, with stains from the cot’s long journey. The metal fixtures are usually sprinkled with rust and peeling paint. But always, the integrity of these cots, the ones that I have found, is firmly in place, which is why I love to recreate them and share their ‘second time around’ with you. It’s my way of honoring their service.
A great substitute for a love seat—these cots create a perfect moment to collapse (think fainting couch) —indoor or out. Shot on location at former WW2 fort, in Presidio National Park, overlooking the Pacific.
The utilitarian function was top of mind — a basic canvas cover, with metal fixtures on the wooden frame — that afforded the ease of articulation where the cot unfolds and opens into a movable bed.
Peter Miles, née Milakovich, US Marine, WW2
Details of my M-1938 cot renewal.
After I deconstruct the piece, I sand and clean the metal fixtures and wood supports. I then reconstruct the frame with fresh brass hardware, like your best denim rivet, which adds a modern richness. I leave the original canvas, cleaning and repairing as needed, which helps to maintain the structural integrity of the cot. Then I piece together a new patchwork cover of upcycled Levi’s denim. The seams and washes add details and surface design.
The work is done within my studio with partnership from my favorite upholsterer, the master, Luis. The cots are one-of-a-kind and built to last, clearly.
I hope you enjoy it. I have new cots coming to the site soon.
Send us an email if you wish to be the first to know when they arrive.