Picked up a pair of iron butterfly chairs this evening. Here's what I know.1. The chairs were purchased in the early 1960s from a store in California that sold Eames chairs (info per the owner).2. The material is cast iron - not aluminum or other metal.3. The tops of the backs have a bend at about 5 inches from the tops.4. Take a close look at the weld joints - there's a particularly interesting weld on the left side at around the seat joint.I know its very hard to verify who made these, but thought I'd post it here to see what expert opinions I get.What do you think?
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I think given what you have noted they can be considered "real" and not unworthy of possession.
The design/style has become so ubiquitous that absolute "authenticity" doesn't really matter, kind of an ironic proof of its success.
I would select some ridiculously awesome material for the covers, of course.
I have about a dozen vintage butterfly chairs. Mine are all different sizes (like, inches different in width, mostly) and at least two different diameters for the steel. Some have nicer welds than others. And some have the bent tops and some don't.
I got covers at circa50 but people have complained lately about their service. Whatever you do, make sure the material doesn't have much give! I made one out of a very heavyweight denim that felt extremely sturdy, but it stretched a couple of inches when anyone sat in it--which made it hard to get out of. I think 18 oz canvas is about the right weight and weave.
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