Herman Miller Eames Lounge Chair  

Looks well loved to me and it's certainly authentic, probably '60's or early '70's production. I can't tell if it's rosewood or walnut veneer.

A new set of cushions from Herman Miller will set you back a paltry $3K or so. If it were me, I'd send pics to Alfie at Hume Modern and ask about options.

Thanks so much. I think it is definitely worth trying to save. 🙂 Thanks again. Jill

I agree that it's worth saving.

Check those shock mounts. If they're original, they're likely due for replacement, too.

Ok.

I'd take it to the local trusted upholster queen and have her do a "best efforts" mini facelift on your chair. Patch up the leather (even done cruddy and smelling of frankenstein) would give it a few more miles. The patina on the leather is splendid. Or just go buy a new chair.

Ok.

Aunt Mark

I'm always amazed when people look at a piece which is clearly marked by the manufacturer and say "not sure if this is authentic".

What exactly are they looking for as proof?

What might be even worse, Peg, is when someone sees a photo of what is obviously rosewood veneer and says it could be walnut.

FWIW, that chair is from my favorite edition. Thinner panels and cushions that break-in just so, and those arm pads, with the wider, squared-off rear corners really make a difference.

I think it is healthy to look at a vintage piece and consider the whole piece to determine whether it is authentic. Many other pieces were not mark either all the time, some of the time, or the labels fell off decades ago, or the piece is an unholy matrimony of mismatched part, and sometimes, somebody has "restored" a label to a piece, authentic or not, that ought not have such a label.

A more holistic approach is needed. The authenticity is in the whole piece. Just looking to labels is shortsighted. And I am not advocating that people come here and ask if every single marked piece is authentic. People should do their homework. Spending a bit of time learning what makes an authentic piece authentic often leads to an appreciation of the value that comes with authenticity. And this is what we care about.