Eames 670/671 leather question  

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I'm not sure but the opposite would make more sense, generally a seat is more punished than an ottoman.

Not really...
The seat may get more use, sure. But I'm speaking purely about the outer layer of upholstery; be it fabric, leather or whatever. Normally ottomans are much more likely to have a rip or significant damage than chairs are.

That should be offered as a functional option, lunchbox.
It would make perfect sense, as both of the newer versions that I own have superficial damage to the ottomans (not from my Gucci kicks....). But peering through my old Herman Miller booklets, Nothing of the sort is mentioned. Lucky you. But then, I could be wrong.
Best,
Old Mark

Righto, Mark...
It does seem a clever option, doesn't it?
I don't really have any doubts about the chair. I'd just never seen such a difference in grain from chair to ottoman.

Thoughts-
The ottoman and chair are used differently, they may very well show significant differences in wear over time. The hand of the leather is affected by use.
Quality control of the hides may not have been terribly precise regarding thickness either. Or in shipping MATCHED sets.
Are you positive that the ottoman is upholstered in leather and not Naugahyde? I think Herman Miller had some Nauga-related marketing in the 70s. Naugahyde would be a good durable choice for the ottoman, while using the luxurious top grain leather for the seat/chair. I don't think treated protected leathers existed the same way back then; this seems somewhat likely to me if it feels remarkably coarser.

Yeah, definitely leather...
As a said, just a heavier grade/thicker grain.
And again, I just don't buy the human error theory. I've seen quite a few of these over the years and this was the first that wasn't uniform.

Just speaking out loud. One p...
Just speaking out loud. One possibility is that the ottoman cushion has been swapped due to damage or whatever reason. Would love to see some pictures.

That was my first thought also...
But I bought it off the original owners and it is probably the cleanest example I've come across. They'd kept it in the study it was pulled out of for around 40 years where it got very little use.
I meant to take photos but a friend of mine who'd told me to alert him of any really clean ones I find took it off me with the quickness. He's quite the connoisseur himself. And he had little doubt about it as well. Hopefully I can get over there some time soon and snap a couple of photos if I think about it. I think photos would make you guys believers as well.
I'm still hoping someone comes along with knowledge of this(paging Peggers!) and is able to clear it up for us.