How to spot an Eames Lounge Fake?  

Is it
Is it a plywood lounge chair or the larger, leather upholstered chair? If it is the larger version I have seen a number of knock-offs that have the grain running vertically (when facing the chair) rather than horizontal. I have never seen an authentic Eames chair with the grain running vertically.

Herman miller chairs have o...
Herman miller chairs have only one look go to any website and there will be a picture
Unless you are a novice and never seen them they are easy to identify

There are lots of clues that...
There are lots of clues that will give a Eames 670 lounge fake away besides the grain direction of the wood.
- if it has a 4-star base, it's a fake
- if the base where it attaches isn't in a star pattern, it's a fake
- if the arm rests aren't double-welted, it's a fake
- if there is a vertical bar that attaches the middle of the backrest to the seat, it's a fake
- if there are screws on the side of the armchair where the armrests are, it MIGHT be a fake...or it could be a repaired original.
- if there are no buttons on the cushions, it's a fake (or at least an original with non-original cushions
- some fakes are noticeably taller than the genuine chair
- fakes sometimes recline...the real one does not...it only swivels
I'm sure there are other ways to spot a fake and others may chime in with those.
Using the above guides, it's pretty easy to spot a vintage-era fake. Having said that, there are some pretty good CURRENT knockoffs that have 5-star bases, decent looking cushions, lack the vertical brace between the seat and the back, etc. If you are looking at an ad, especially on Craigslist or eBay, look for the suspicious LACK of the name HERMAN MILLER or the use of the word "STYLE" (as in "Eames Style") in the ad. If in doubt, ask them point blank if this is a genuine HERMAN MILLER chair.
fm

The photo below is what I'm...
The photo below is what I'm looking at. I have spoken with the seller and there are no Herman Miller badges on the chair. I have asked him if there are any exposed screws and there are none.
The base on the chair is 5 star and the base on the ottoman is 4 star.
I am somewhat of a novice but this is how I'm learning.

Also, thanks for the clues!
Also, thanks for the clues!

This looks like a modern...
This looks like a modern replica, especially since there are no HM badges. You can get these new for under $1500.
Also, maybe it's the lighting, but are those head supports made of wood or metal? They look like wood to me...if so, that would definitely place it in the replica category.
fm

They are from 1968 so I...
They are from 1968 so I guess it is a Vintage Replica!
The head support arms do look wood which I thought was strange. Either way, I don't think I'll pick these up.
Thanks for the help all.

Those are knock-offs
Those are knock-offs. Vintage, but total knock-offs.

I think they are good Selig copies
of which I had one.They come quite close to the Eames.They are vinyl,however,and not leather.

In my opinion they look...
In my opinion they look nowhere near the quality and shape of a genuine 670.

herman miller
Thats great info, but what about all the Vitra chairs made under license in Europe. I have loads of of Eames, Nelson, etc chairs, that do not meet your criteria.
Mark

Herman Miller vs. Vitra
Since Vitra makes some of the Herman Miller pieces and considering their long association, I doubt that there would be much difference between a piece made by Herman Miller and a piece made by Vitra.
There MIGHT be some different fabric coverings, though.
Getting back to the 670/671 Lounge Chair and Ottoman. I can recall if it was ever offered in vinyl. I believe it was always available in leather from the get-go.
However, like the George Nelson Coconut Chair (which is currently made only by Vitra and is stupidly only sold in black leather) I know that the Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman WAS available in leather colors.
There are scads of vintage and more recent knockoffs of this iconic piece, so be careful that you buy.
I wouldn't even consider buying it unless it has the Herman Miller label.

I view the Vitra versions as...
I view the Vitra versions as originals for Europe. However the base is different on the lounge and ottoman.

yes whitespike the Vitras ...
yes whitespike the Vitras are different bases and have been since birth in the late 60s
of course you know cause you are a smart boy but
the Hilles made the chair in England and are real also , cause they were a Eames sanctioned license, a
These chairs are all considered real and not fake
any thing that had the license from Charles Eames was all ways considered real,