# electric chair **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [March 6, 2014, 8:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-chair/683044 "2014-03-06T20:23:52Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Amateur\_Barbarian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/59ef9b/32.png) [@Amateur\_Barbarian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Amateur_Barbarian)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2014, 12:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-chair/683044/21 "2014-03-07T00:24:17Z")
I dunno. I think if I was being dragged to the electric chair I’d fight back, all the while howling “Come and get me, copper!” ---
**Author:** ![Duckster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/duckster/32/1244_2.png) [@Duckster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duckster)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2014, 3:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-chair/683044/22 "2014-03-07T03:03:45Z")
_sniff, sniff_ Smells like bacon? ---
**Author:** ![engineer\_comp\_geek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/engineer_comp_geek/32/504_2.png) [@engineer\_comp\_geek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/engineer_comp_geek)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2014, 4:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-chair/683044/23 "2014-03-07T04:46:45Z")
> [@Amateur\_Barbarian](#): > > I dunno. I think if I was being dragged to the electric chair I’d fight back, all the while howling “Come and get me, copper!” If you’re going to go, you might as well go with style. “Hey, fellas! How about this for a headline for tomorrow’s paper? ‘French Fries!'" - Convicted murderer James French to members of the press who were witnesses at his execution by the State of Oklahoma in the electric chair in 1966. ---
**Author:** ![vtxrider](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/d26b3c/32.png) [@vtxrider](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vtxrider)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2014, 4:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-chair/683044/24 "2014-03-07T16:56:27Z")
A poorly formed question and the members of this board prove to be a lethal combination. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2014, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-chair/683044/25 "2014-03-07T17:16:50Z")
I thought I had a great pun to contribute…but I’ve seemed to have come up short. ---
**Author:** ![kaf1954](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/e9bcb4/32.png) [@kaf1954](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaf1954)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2014, 5:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-chair/683044/26 "2014-03-07T17:19:52Z")
Thank you for the cute replies. I always forget that you have to get past the clowns before you get an intelligent response. If anyone can actually write something constructive I would appreciate hearing from them. And for those who try to be smarter than they are, I am just trying to figure out where the chair came from. ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2014, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-chair/683044/27 "2014-03-07T17:24:32Z")
> [@kaf1954](#): > > Thank you for the cute replies. I always forget that you have to get past the clowns before you get an intelligent response. If anyone can actually write something constructive I would appreciate hearing from them. And for those who try to be smarter than they are, I am just trying to figure out where the chair came from. Perhaps you missed the posts asking for more information or photos, so that we can be of some assistance? Wire you so reluctant to share? ---
**Author:** ![Napier](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/ce73a5/32.png) [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2014, 5:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-chair/683044/28 "2014-03-07T17:31:53Z")
> [@kaf1954](#): > > I have an electric chair “execution” that I have been trying to find out where it came from… This isn’t meant to be a cute reply and I don’t intend to be a clown, thank you. I keep checking this thread because I am curious what is going on and might be able to help, but I (like some others) don’t understand what you are trying to say. Why is “execution” in quotes? An execution is an event. Are you saying you have an event, or some record of an event? Obviously you didn’t have your own execution because you are writing to us, but what execution are you talking about then? What can you tell us about this? Or are you saying you have an actual, physical electric chair, a piece of hardware? If so, what is the word “execution” referring to? Where did you get the chair? Can you post pictures? Does it have identifying marks such as labels, stains, straps and electrodes, stains, holes where things might have attached, and the like? In any case, the topic is generally interesting but any question is not clear, at least to me. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2014, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-chair/683044/29 "2014-03-07T17:36:13Z")
> [@kaf1954](#): > > Thank you for the cute replies. I always forget that you have to get past the clowns before you get an intelligent response. If anyone can actually write something constructive I would appreciate hearing from them. And for those who try to be smarter than they are, I am just trying to figure out where the chair came from. We might just be able to conduct that conversation if we had, say, more data? Currently, you’re not giving us much to go on–why the resistance to supply us with more information? Seriously, we don’t have enough info here. Pictures? A text description of it? Where is this chair and how did you come by it? Etc… ---
**Author:** ![Melchior](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e5b9ba/32.png) [@Melchior](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Melchior)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2014, 5:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-chair/683044/30 "2014-03-07T17:41:39Z")
> [@randompattern](#): > > Puns about electricity always seem to be met with resistance. Or reluctance at least… 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2014, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-chair/683044/31 "2014-03-07T17:51:46Z")
> [@kaf1954](#): > > And for those who try to be smarter than they are, I am just trying to figure out where the chair came from. It wasn’t clear from your first post that you were talking about an actual, physical chair. According to [Cecil Adams](http://www.straightdope.com/columns/read/1209/who-makes-electric-chairs-and-other-equipment-for-executions) (“Who makes electric chairs and other equipment for executions?”), most electric chairs used for executions were basically homemade. (I’ve never heard of the “Edison Chair” you mentioned.) ---
**Author:** ![Exapno\_Mapcase](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/exapno_mapcase/32/1051_2.png) [@Exapno\_Mapcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Exapno_Mapcase)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2014, 6:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-chair/683044/32 "2014-03-07T18:02:39Z")
> [@Exapno\_Mapcase](#): > > Sometimes I think that the most important contribution this Board can make toward fighting ignorance lies in teaching people how to ask a question in a way to get the most useful answer. > [@kaf1954](#): > > Thank you for the cute replies. I always forget that you have to get past the clowns before you get an intelligent response. If anyone can actually write something constructive I would appreciate hearing from them. And for those who try to be smarter than they are, I am just trying to figure out where the chair came from. > [@Napier](#): > > This isn’t meant to be a cute reply and I don’t intend to be a clown, thank you. I keep checking this thread because I am curious what is going on and might be able to help, but I (like some others) don’t understand what you are trying to say. > > Why is “execution” in quotes? An execution is an event. Are you saying you have an event, or some record of an event? Obviously you didn’t have your own execution because you are writing to us, but what execution are you talking about then? What can you tell us about this? > > Or are you saying you have an actual, physical electric chair, a piece of hardware? If so, what is the word “execution” referring to? Where did you get the chair? Can you post pictures? Does it have identifying marks such as labels, stains, straps and electrodes, stains, holes where things might have attached, and the like? > > In any case, the topic is generally interesting but any question is not clear, at least to me. Kaf, want to start again? ---
**Author:** ![Claverhouse](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/13edae/32.png) [@Claverhouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Claverhouse)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2014, 6:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-chair/683044/33 "2014-03-07T18:03:39Z")
Who the hell takes home an electric chair as a treasured souvenir on retirement ? Or, passing a skip as one exits one’s workplace, sees the gruesome thing and asks the warden, \*‘Can I have it ? Look a treat in the guest bedroom.’ \* But as far as execution methods being home made, it was normal for gallows to be constructed home-made for the occasion, _ad hoc_. Lending a new meaning to _‘Up All Night’_. ---
**Author:** ![Amateur\_Barbarian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/59ef9b/32.png) [@Amateur\_Barbarian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Amateur_Barbarian)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2014, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-chair/683044/34 "2014-03-07T18:04:47Z")
Maybe the OP has the Zap-ruder film. Seriously, I would like a clarification of the original question. Hopefully the OP understands the inquiries for more information amid the yuks. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2014, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-chair/683044/35 "2014-03-07T18:33:01Z")
> [@kaf1954](#): > > Thank you for the cute replies. I always forget that you have to get past the clowns before you get an intelligent response. If anyone can actually write something constructive I would appreciate hearing from them. And for those who try to be smarter than they are, I am just trying to figure out where the chair came from. We’re just biding our time until you come back and clarify what you mean by “execution” and perhaps give us more information to go on. ---
**Author:** ![Kimballkid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/b5a626/32.png) [@Kimballkid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimballkid)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2014, 9:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-chair/683044/36 "2014-03-07T21:32:31Z")
I thought this would be a really interesting thing too, but apparently the OP is not really interested in an answer to his ‘question’ as he has yet to ask one or at least to ask it in a clear and concise manner. ---
**Author:** ![randompattern](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/7993a0/32.png) [@randompattern](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/randompattern)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2014, 9:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-chair/683044/37 "2014-03-07T21:43:28Z")
As far as I know Edison actually did build the first electric chair. He was trying to dis-credit Tesla’s AC current as dangerous so he used AC to power the chair. It back fired, the guy didn’t die right away, he just kinda roasted. If you have THAT chair I’d assume it’s worth something, but I’m pretty sure if it still existed it would be in a museum somewhere. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2014, 10:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-chair/683044/38 "2014-03-07T22:10:09Z")
I would be surprised if the chair the OP claims to have was really used by any state for executions, because I can’t imagine that any state would have sold it off. I’d think they’d either demolish it or put it in a museum. ---
**Author:** ![Amateur\_Barbarian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/59ef9b/32.png) [@Amateur\_Barbarian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Amateur_Barbarian)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2014, 10:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-chair/683044/39 "2014-03-07T22:39:23Z")
Possibly a movie, museum or stage prop… ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2014, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-chair/683044/40 "2014-03-07T22:42:45Z")
That I could believe. But that this is an electric chair actually used by a state? I don’t buy it. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-chair/683044.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-chair/683044.md?page=3)