Early Eames Lounge Chair by Charles & Ray Eames for Herman Miller

Charles & Ray Eames

Herman Miller

lounge chair

An exceptionally early and highly collectible example of the iconic Eames Lounge Chair, designed by Charles and Ray Eames and manufactured by Herman Miller in Zeeland, Michigan.

Dating from approximately 1960–1962, this chair belongs to the very early years of Eames Lounge Chair production, following the model’s introduction in 1956. It retains a remarkable number of original early-production characteristics and important identification details, making it a particularly desirable example for collectors of twentieth-century design.

The chair features beautifully figured Brazilian rosewood molded plywood shells, complemented by its black leather upholstery and the characteristic Herman Miller five-star base. All important original identification labels remain present underneath the chair, including the original circular “Designed by Charles Eames / Herman Miller, Zeeland” medallion and the original Herman Miller patent label.

An especially important early-production feature is the distinctive three-screw construction underneath the armrests. This detail is associated with early examples of the Eames Lounge Chair and is of particular interest to collectors when identifying early production pieces.

The combination of the early Herman Miller labels, patent information, three-screw armrest construction and beautifully figured rosewood shells makes this a highly attractive and increasingly rare early example of one of the most celebrated furniture designs of the twentieth century.

The chair also retains an original “Property of Sandoz, Inc.” fixed asset label, providing an interesting element of corporate provenance and documenting part of its history.

Designed in 1956, the Eames Lounge Chair has become one of the most recognizable and influential designs of the twentieth century. Early Herman Miller examples with original labels and early construction details are particularly sought after by collectors and design enthusiasts.

Please note that this offering includes the lounge chair only. The ottoman is not included.