Numbering Systems
Underside of Senate desk showing numbering systems.
To keep track of the desks over the years, seven distinct numbering systems have been employed to identify the expanding group of desks and to track their locations. These numbers, both Roman and Arabic, are still visible on the desks. The current numbering system, instituted in 1957, consists of Roman numerals stamped into the right-hand corner of the wooden stretcher (principal crosspiece) beneath the desks. The Senate Chamber desks are not arranged on the Senate floor in numerical order.
