Mohair vs. rattan

In these discussions regarding the parlour (sic) cars, I thought I also would comment about the seat ideas John Craft relayed. The use of wicker or rattan for seat coverings certainly would bring back a feel of the old days, and are practical in a wear-and-tear sense. They were used system-wide in the Chicago "L" due to heavy loadings and many uses by the unwashed masses. The seats are easy to clean. On the other hand, most lounge seats in homes, parlor cars, and interurban cars were made of mohair. Chicago "L" cars with mohair seats were nicknamed "plushies." I don't have a lead on the costs of this premium material, but I consider rattan a premium material as well. Mohair seats, such as those I have reupholsted for a North Shore streetcar, are more comfortable than rattan seats, if not posturpedic in design.
Olin.