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An extraordinary early First Generation Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman, designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller in 1956. Based on its early construction details, we believe this example dates to approximately 1956–1957, placing it among the earliest production Eames Lounge Chairs.
More than seven decades after its introduction, the Eames Lounge Chair remains one of the most recognizable and important pieces of American Mid-Century Modern design. Early first-generation examples, however, have a character all their own. Subtle differences in construction, materials, proportions, and upholstery distinguish these chairs from the later versions produced over the decades that followed.
This chair retains several important hallmarks associated with early First Generation Eames Lounge Chairs, including the three-screw arm construction, early narrow-profile back rest shell "wing", round cushion clips, smaller threaded feet, early-style boot glides, down-filled cushions, and richly figured rosewood veneer shells.
The rosewood on this particular chair is exceptional. Years of age and oxidation have muted portions of the grain, but beneath the existing finish is remarkably dramatic figuring. Once carefully restored and freshly sanded, we expect the rosewood to come alive again, revealing the deep color, movement, and contrast visible throughout the shells. The headrest in particular shows spectacular figuring that hints at just how beautiful the completed chair will be.
Restoration by Hobbs Modern
This chair is currently unrestored and awaiting a complete restoration by Hobbs Modern, giving its next owner a rare opportunity to reserve an important early Eames Lounge Chair before the restoration is completed.
The rosewood shells will be carefully restored in-house with an emphasis on preserving the chair’s originality, character, and historical integrity.
The new owner may choose between two wood finishes:
Traditional Oil Finish — We can finish the rosewood using the orginal Herman Miller Gunstock Oil, producing the softer, lower-sheen appearance associated with early Eames Lounge Chairs. This option emphasizes the natural warmth and tactile quality of the rosewood and is ideal for the collector who wants a historically sympathetic appearance.
Lacquer Finish — Alternatively, the shells can be professionally lacquered, producing a beautifully protected surface with greater resistance to everyday handling and significantly less ongoing maintenance while still allowing the spectacular rosewood grain to remain the visual focus.
The chair is pictured in a beautiful moss green full-aniline leather, which gives the chair an unusually rich, sophisticated character against the warm rosewood. For a more traditional presentation, the chair can instead be upholstered in premium black full-aniline leather.
The cushions retain the soft, relaxed character that makes early Eames Lounge Chairs so desirable, including the down-filled construction associated with the earliest chairs. The result is a noticeably different appearance from later, firmer Eames cushions—the leather settles naturally into the cushions, creating the inviting, lived-in quality envisioned for the original chair.
An Exceptional Early Eames
Look closely at the photographs and the early construction details begin to tell the story of this chair: the narrow backrest "wing" profile, three-screw arms, round cushion hardware, early feet and glides, and beautifully formed rosewood shells.
These details are increasingly difficult to find together on an authentic early chair and make this an especially compelling example for the serious Eames collector.
Once restored, we expect this chair to be spectacular.
The combination of early production, highly figured rosewood, first-generation construction details, down-filled cushions, and the opportunity to select the final leather and wood finish makes this a particularly special Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman.
Reserve this chair now while restoration is underway and choose the final presentation yourself. We anticipate completion and delivery in time for the holiday season.
Details
Designer: Charles & Ray Eames
Manufacturer: Herman Miller
Model: Eames Lounge Chair 670 & Ottoman 671
Period: First Generation
Date: Circa 1956–1957
Country: United States
Wood: Rosewood veneer
Upholstery: Full-aniline leather
Current Leather: Moss Green
Optional Leather: Black full-aniline leather
Cushions: Early-style down-filled cushions
Condition: Currently undergoing professional restoration by Hobbs Modern
Restoration Options: Traditional oil finish or professionally applied lacquer finishAn exceptional opportunity to acquire an early first-generation Herman Miller Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman in rosewood, restored by Hobbs Modern with careful attention to the materials, construction, and character that make the earliest examples so desirable.
An extraordinary early First Generation Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman, designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller in 1956. Based on its early construction details, we believe this example dates to approximately 1956–1957, placing it among the earliest production Eames Lounge Chairs.
More than seven decades after its introduction, the Eames Lounge Chair remains one of the most recognizable and important pieces of American Mid-Century Modern design. Early first-generation examples, however, have a character all their own. Subtle differences in construction, materials, proportions, and upholstery distinguish these chairs from the later versions produced over the decades that followed.
This chair retains several important hallmarks associated with early First Generation Eames Lounge Chairs, including the three-screw arm construction, early narrow-profile back rest shell "wing", round cushion clips, smaller threaded feet, early-style boot glides, down-filled cushions, and richly figured rosewood veneer shells.
The rosewood on this particular chair is exceptional. Years of age and oxidation have muted portions of the grain, but beneath the existing finish is remarkably dramatic figuring. Once carefully restored and freshly sanded, we expect the rosewood to come alive again, revealing the deep color, movement, and contrast visible throughout the shells. The headrest in particular shows spectacular figuring that hints at just how beautiful the completed chair will be.
Restoration by Hobbs Modern
This chair is currently unrestored and awaiting a complete restoration by Hobbs Modern, giving its next owner a rare opportunity to reserve an important early Eames Lounge Chair before the restoration is completed.
The rosewood shells will be carefully restored in-house with an emphasis on preserving the chair’s originality, character, and historical integrity.
The new owner may choose between two wood finishes:
Traditional Oil Finish — We can finish the rosewood using the orginal Herman Miller Gunstock Oil, producing the softer, lower-sheen appearance associated with early Eames Lounge Chairs. This option emphasizes the natural warmth and tactile quality of the rosewood and is ideal for the collector who wants a historically sympathetic appearance.
Lacquer Finish — Alternatively, the shells can be professionally lacquered, producing a beautifully protected surface with greater resistance to everyday handling and significantly less ongoing maintenance while still allowing the spectacular rosewood grain to remain the visual focus.
The chair is pictured in a beautiful moss green full-aniline leather, which gives the chair an unusually rich, sophisticated character against the warm rosewood. For a more traditional presentation, the chair can instead be upholstered in premium black full-aniline leather.
The cushions retain the soft, relaxed character that makes early Eames Lounge Chairs so desirable, including the down-filled construction associated with the earliest chairs. The result is a noticeably different appearance from later, firmer Eames cushions—the leather settles naturally into the cushions, creating the inviting, lived-in quality envisioned for the original chair.
An Exceptional Early Eames
Look closely at the photographs and the early construction details begin to tell the story of this chair: the narrow backrest "wing" profile, three-screw arms, round cushion hardware, early feet and glides, and beautifully formed rosewood shells.
These details are increasingly difficult to find together on an authentic early chair and make this an especially compelling example for the serious Eames collector.
Once restored, we expect this chair to be spectacular.
The combination of early production, highly figured rosewood, first-generation construction details, down-filled cushions, and the opportunity to select the final leather and wood finish makes this a particularly special Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman.
Reserve this chair now while restoration is underway and choose the final presentation yourself. We anticipate completion and delivery in time for the holiday season.
Details
Designer: Charles & Ray Eames
Manufacturer: Herman Miller
Model: Eames Lounge Chair 670 & Ottoman 671
Period: First Generation
Date: Circa 1956–1957
Country: United States
Wood: Rosewood veneer
Upholstery: Full-aniline leather
Current Leather: Moss Green
Optional Leather: Black full-aniline leather
Cushions: Early-style down-filled cushions
Condition: Currently undergoing professional restoration by Hobbs Modern
Restoration Options: Traditional oil finish or professionally applied lacquer finish
An exceptional opportunity to acquire an early first-generation Herman Miller Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman in rosewood, restored by Hobbs Modern with careful attention to the materials, construction, and character that make the earliest examples so desirable.
See why our clients trust Hobbs Modern:
Wood Care
Keep the furniture in a cool, dry place
Avoid furniture's direct exposure to rain, sun or wind
Avoid placing hot objects directly on the piece to prevent undesirable marks or permanent circles.
Avoid placing objects that may cause scratches to the surface
Clean using water only in small quantities and apply it with soft, damp cloth
After damp cloth wipe with a soft, dry cloth
You can use other liquids that are especially for cleaning wood furniture. Take into account the type of wood and follow the manufacturer's instructions
Upholstery Care
Do not expose directly to sunlight to provide greater durability colors
Exchange both side pads, the seat and backrest, to obtain uniform wear
Shake the cushions regularly to remove dust and to maintain the stability of the form
Clean regularly with a vacuum cleaner in good condition
Use a textile fabric cleaning substance according to and following the manufacturer's instructions
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