So recently I acquired a vintage rosewood lounge and ottoman. The chair was obviously all original, never tampered with. Numbers matched and everything. But what puzzled me was the ottoman cushion. The leather was a much thicker and heavier grained than the chair's were.
So the question is, was that an option? Or even an offering from Herman Miller? I suppose it would make sense, being that an ottoman could be due more "rough" use and wear via feet/shoes than a chair in which we just slide/lean into.
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
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.
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.
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