Lots of natural fibers used back then for filters and
upholstery stuffing. It was quite versatile and held up well.
In the AD seats the fiber pads which are often refereed to as
Horse Hair are really coir. A fiber from the coconut husks
and still widly used today for mats, brushes and such.
Here's a coir pad that was sat on for 60 years and is
still in excellent shape:
http://www.pbase.com/dennygraham/image/120777683DG
