SOLD 1956 Herman Miller Eames Lounge Chair & Ottoman 670 671 New Cushions
Listed for sale is one of the earliest Eames lounge chairs around. It is a boot glide variation of the 1956 Eames lounge, the first year of production. These early sets are fabulously rare and can be identified by a few distinct characteristics.
Early on, it was decided to use boot glides on the ottoman. Within months, however, complaints came in about customers losing these boots and therefore a change was made during the same year to begin threading the ottoman underneath to allow for screw-in glides like the chair. These ottomans were un-drilled and were therefore not threaded for glides.
An additional note is that early Herman Miller examples (between approximately 1952 and 1956) used a rectangular large foil label, as you might find on early LCW chairs or similar. On this example, you can faintly see the outline of this early foil label. These are notorious for falling off, so often their remnant is the best clue you can get.
In short, this is a fabulously rare and early piece with newly re-done leather by a masterful upholsterer (who is well versed in HM pieces).
Cushions:
They are soft and properly plump for a chair of this vintage. No tears or rips are present on any of the cushions. These are down filled cushions.
Wood:
The rosewood shells are in great shape with some light wear. The finish is lovely and all original.
Shock Mounts:
The shock mounts are in good shape and the chair still holds strong.
Bases and Metal
The aluminum bases are in great condition. Paint is all there.
