Hello AT,
Where can I buy a reasonably priced used pair of Eames aluminum group managment or softpad chairs in the NYC area?
I don't mind if the chairs look quite worn, as long as they work well it adds character. I've long been in love (bordering on obsession) with this particular chair, but have been unable to find them locally aside from HM reproductions at DWR and the occasional ebay auction.
Thank you, Anthony
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Awhile back, Pottery Barn began offering their own version of this chair. Somewhat different, but a good look for the (considerably less) money.
Otherwise, I'd second the vote for Craig's List, Ebay, and add the big antique shows (the Modern and the Triple Piers) since mid-century is showing up there quite regularly.
For the record, after trashing the look of most of the Eames' furniture, I will say that this is one of my favorite office type chairs.
mee-thinks you are not searching ebay often enough (setup an automatic search!) i have a few favorite sellers who list them all the time!
try searching for seller superswank
he's got a few listed now and looking at the completed listings they're selling for 2-400 depending on color. i've bought from him before, very good seller.
And I used to have one in my old office and LOVED sitting on one all day long.. another reason I was totally depressed to move from that space...
I'm wondering ... did I dream that I was in a store that had some vintage ones of these? Seems like they were in different colors? Will wrack my brain and see what I can come up with.
You can buy a new knock-off for $400 at http://www.whiteonwhite.com/xoops/xoops-2.0.9.2/html/modules/news/index.php?storytopic=2&storynum=30 . I have no idea what the quality is like, though.
There must be dealers like this in your area (am I incorrect in assuming its NYC?)
http://www.founddesign.ca/index.htm
This above company is based in Ottawa (Canada) but they have an eBay store and they often source their products in Upstate NY. If you look at their current and past inventory they've got the mgmt chair listed. Good luck!
I found the page with the chair on the FoundDesign site..
http://www.founddesign.ca/products/furniture/items/F00037.htm
does it have to be used? i just got one for $400 at White on Essex down in the LES on Saturday. check whiteonessex.com .. its a really nice repro, imo.
oh... i want to add... at our office the CEO just got a pile of these chairs from a dealer called echic boutique.. they paid like $279 a piece but they are NOT leather and the mechanism isn't authentic. its more of the modern day hydraulic style. they don't lower as much as the old-fashioned screw up mechanism that the original has. you can probably google echicboutique if none of that bothers you.
There are a number of NYC stores that will get used ones in, but it is rare to find a bargain. I'd recommend eBay. That's where I purchased my black leather one in mint condition. You can also by new from dwr or a host of office supply stores. I'd counsel against a reproduction for this classic design. Good luck!
By the way, the "HM knock-off the DWR sells" you mentioned is not a knock-off of anything. Herman Miller is and has been the only licensed company in the US to manufacture the Management chair (not to mention a lot of other of the Eames' designs.) Vitra holds a license for much of what is produced for the European market. DWR does not sell any knock-offs, and never did of any of the HM product.
edit: I just read that you said reproductions, not knock-offs... HM is the real deal none the less.
WHITE is good - quality is fine, either the Broadway store or Essex
I've had mine for several years
Thanks all! I'll keep a closer eye on Ebay/Craigslist and look into a the few local stores that were mentioned here.
as some of you pointed out, the bargins seem to be few and far between, particularly with vintage originals.
Thanks again.
Hi, you can get them on:
http://www.modernreproductions.com - They ship direct from Europe and start at $599.
I went to White on White on Broadway to look at the Knock-offs of the Eames Aluminum Group chair.
I required a couple dozen for a client. The quality was "Very Poor" even for 400.00 each. I asked about a quantity discount. The only offered 10% off. I asked about a warranty and was told there was none, that if there was a problem with any of the chairs I could bring them back and they would "try" to fix. I went to Pratt for industrial design and have 25 years in contract furniture. I was ill advised by some of the above posts and wasted time going there to look. I would not buy anything from these folks at White on Wherever. The quality controll at their plants in Turkey and Brazil is Very Poor.
i have two that got plassed along from a friend. their not my style, so i'd be happy to pass along. they've seen better days, but are authentic, and sound just what you're looking for. both are brown leather. one with wheels, one side chair.
I just wanted to comment on Ryan being an idiot. DWR has sold reproductions, in fcat before they started carrying Knoll and Herman Miller that's all they were carrying was reproductions, maybe know what you're talking about before offering incomplete, false information. idiot.
Sam flax has Eames chairs but also sells a copy for about $3-400 with more adjustments.