Preliminary identification

Herman Miller Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman (670/671)

Photo reference

1 uploaded photo

Overview

This is the underside of the iconic Eames Lounge Chair, showing the authentic Herman Miller logo, Eames Office starburst mark, and Charles Eames signature decal. Introduced in 1956, this design remains one of the most significant and recognizable furniture designs of the 20th century, blending luxurious comfort with industrial manufacturing.

Story

In 1956, Charles and Ray Eames set out to create a chair with the warm, receptive look of a well-used first baseman's mitt. It debuted on national television and instantly redefined modern luxury, transitioning from a high-end design experiment into a permanent resident of the Museum of Modern Art.

Maker / Origin

Charles and Ray Eames, the husband-and-wife design duo, are legendary figures who shaped post-war American modernism. Working with manufacturer Herman Miller, they pioneered new technologies in molded plywood, fiberglass, and plastics, believing that everyday design should improve people's lives through utility, beauty, and accessibility.

Condition & Value

The visible molded plywood shell shows a beautiful, warm grain with minimal scuffing, and the black powder-coated metal base and hardware appear intact and original. Excellent overall condition of the wood and leather cushions will keep the value toward the higher end of the range.

Full Research

See what it's actually worth.

Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

Build on this identification

Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.

Market Analysis

Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.

Value Drivers

  • Strong maker attribution with credible period details
  • Better-than-average condition for the category
  • Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

  • Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
  • Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
  • Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps
Regional auction· Jun 2024
$1,280

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

Dealer archive· Mar 2024
$1,450

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

Marketplace sale· Jan 2024
$980

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

Estate platform· Oct 2023
$1,150

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

Auction result· Aug 2023
$1,375

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.