I am new at this forum. I have searched previous posts already and have learned a lot but may have overlooked some information...
I am looking to buy my dream chair of all times: the Eames lounge and ottoman. The price of a new original is too high for me (?6500) so I am looking for a second hand. I have closely looked at the Vitra version in my local shop but since I live in europe I can not look at a new Herman Miller. If I come by a second hand Herman Miller, how to tell if it is genuine or not?
From this forum I have following give-aways:
* 5 star base that swivels, does not tilt
* thick armrest
* no screws or bolts
Could someone post a photo of the label? I have never seen it and would like to know how it looks like.
It is on the bottom of both the lounge and the ottoman, right?
Is the label from plastic or paper? Can it easily be removed? I.e., can it be missing and the chair still be the real thing?
The question is not whether it is important to have the real thing or not. I do not want to pay the price of a real one for a second hand. The prices they ask here are unbelievable. You're lucky in the USA...
Cheers,
Piran
Piran
You are correct in many of your details: Authentic Herman Miller/Vitra chairs do not ever tilt, the armrests are not merely thick, but double welted (a line of piping on the top and bottom edge), the ottoman has a 4 point star base that does not swivel. The upholstery should be held onto the shells with a series of clips hidden inside the plywood - NOT screws through the plywood outer shells.
There should not be bolts near the armrests (BUT!)occasionally the rubber shockmounts failed and people drilled through the plywood as a quick fix. You should be aware of this - especially in the secondhand market.
Also keep in mind - until recently there have been lots of knockoffs that look similar - but not identical, to the original. Most of the secondhand knockoffs I have come across are easy to spot with the above details. However, there are now floods of imitators coming from china that looks almost identical. The only real bet is to look for the label. It should clearly read "Herman Miller: Zeeland Michigan" or "Vitra". without those labels its luck of the draw.
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