coconut chair question, sheet metal vs. fiberglass

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rscohen

(@richard-s-cohengmail-com)

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Joined: 6 years ago

Posts: 10

07/08/2010 9:15 am

I have been told by the owner of the chair pictured below that it is fiberglass, from the 1960's.

But I don't think the current owner is actually sure about what she has. And based upon the staining pattern, it looks like rust, meaning that the shell would be metal.

Additionally there seem to be sheet metal seams on the bottom of the chair.

Any opinions?

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glassartist

(@glassartist)

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Joined: 13 years ago

Posts: 902

07/08/2010 11:01 am

sheet metal
It looks like a somewhat worse version of mine, which is steel.

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norm

(@norm)

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Joined: 15 years ago

Posts: 227

07/08/2010 6:27 pm

steel
This is the earlier version with folded sheet metal. I would think you could clean it up but I don't have any experience doing so.

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Pegboard Modern

(@davidpegboardchicago-com)

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Joined: 6 years ago

Posts: 1303

07/08/2010 8:38 pm

Vintage Herman Miller
This chair is clearly vintage Herman Miller. The shell is steel (hence the rust) not fiberglass. It is not early production however. It's the second generation with the cast aluminum legs. The first generation has chromed steel legs and the two font legs wrap under and connect beneath the seat.
It would not be difficult to restore that chair. The shell obviously needs to be refurbished and repainted and most likely it needs new foam and upholstery.

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