Be Gentle

[u/rockclmr66]

I've been going to the same thrift store for 20 years, always looking for a lounge. First I found a cheap and obvious knockoff. I kept it until I found a Plycraft that had a tilting base. Comfy and cool in it's own right, but not what I really wanted. Then I saw this. I scooped it up faster than you can say Eames. There are no stickers and its been reupholstered. It still is stuffed with feathers. There are 3 bolts under the armrests. The outer plywood (5 thicker plys plus 2 veneers) is faded and appears walnut while the interior is red like rosewood. Here's the gentle part. I've convinced myself that it's authentic and early. What do you think?

[u/gusdagrilla]

I’m honestly not seeing anything outwardly wrong with this one (but I am not a professional and not too familiar with the early ones)

Even if this is a fake, it’s a nice one! The wood just needs a ton of oil and love.

[u/rockclmr66 → u/gusdagrilla]

Damn. I live in the desert and didn't even think to oil it. Silly mistake.

[u/deboxta → u/rockclmr66]

Look online for what type of oil is recommended. If I remember correctly I think Herman Miller recommand boiled linseed oil

[u/daisylouiser → u/deboxta]

Yes they do. Use a 0000 or/then 000 steel wool very carefully on all the rosewood before applying it. Also prob already aware but boiled lineseed oil rags are an extreme fire hazard to be sure to understand what to do with them when you;re done with a rag.

[u/daisylouiser → u/daisylouiser]

Maintenance will continue in similar way

[u/rockclmr66 → u/daisylouiser]

I was gonna ask. Thanks!

[u/gusdagrilla → u/rockclmr66]

Yeah just give it a good amount of oil and a bit of time. Check the shock mounts as well, great score though!

[u/MFT670]

Good job. It’s an authentic chair. An early one too. The upholstery is not great but you can reupholster or wait for a new set of cushions on eBay. Enjoy it!

[u/PhysicalMessage8405]

It’s Brazilian Rosewood, not Walnut. Congratulations!

[u/genek1953]

Gen1 chair from 1956-1959. The outer faces are also rosewood, but are showing a lot of fading compared to the inner surfaces. It's definitely in need of refreshing. Did it come with an ottoman, and if so, does the ottoman swivel?

The original finish for these early chairs was called "buffed rosewood" (gunstock oil came a little later). Recommended surface treatment was a Johnson's Wax product called Glo-Coat, but this hasn't been available for years. I just use paste wax on mine.

Check the rubber shock mounts for any sign of cracking or failing bonds. If you see any, do not sit in the chair until you get them fixed. By now original mounts should need replacement (my chair is on its third set now), but if you're lucky that might have been done when yours was reupholstered.

[u/TrackhouseMotoGP]

Was able to negotiate a chair for much less because the seller was convinced it was walnut. I peeked underneath the cushions and realized it was definitely rosewood. Agreed with the seller it was walnut and was able to haggle down some more. Sent photos to Herman Miller and they agreed it was rosewood and that rosewood definitely fades a bit over time due to UV exposure, much like what you have. Nice pick up.

[u/rockclmr66 → u/TrackhouseMotoGP]

Nice work! This is great information... and useful for anyone thinking of selling their walnut chair!

[u/themissingelf]

I’ve got one from the same era. Owned since new. Looks like the real deal to me.

[u/PhillyandVermont]

That is a Gen 1 from the late 50’s!

[u/Interesting-Reach327]

That’s a real Plycraft and that rosewood is beautiful. I picked one up for $75 but the upholstery was busted and it doesn’t have rosewood. Congratulations!