Model 670 & 671 Lounge and Ottoman

This item is exclusive for The Vault by Robb Report: This is a massively unusual Herman Miller Eames Lounge Chair in Zebrawood, accompanied by a complimentary period-correct Eames Ottoman in Rosewood. Models 670 and 671 were initially designed by Ray and Charles Eames for Herman Miller in 1956. As told by the previous owner, in 1971 an employee at the Herman Miller factory took a Zebrawood plywood sheet and pressed it into the formwork for the Eames 670 lounge chair. The bottom of the seat cushion is signed “Ken Lyon 1971”, presumably the executor of this feat. While it is unknown whether this was purposefully intended for a client or for an employee, its general existence is nothing short of extraordinary. Until 1991, the model 670 and 671 pieces were solely offered with Brazilian Rosewood. In 1991, Herman Miller discontinued using Rosewood, and expanded its wooden shell selections to include Cherry, Walnut and (by the 2000s) Palisander. Only recently, they rolled out their white ash and ebonized finish options. Zebrawood was a special cross-veneer patterned wood that was offered on Peter Protzmann furniture from 1971-1972; Ergo, the material was present in the Herman Miller factory and somehow made its way into this example. It’s a terrific story. The cushions were recently reupholstered in a fine, smooth Khaki green leather.

The lounge chair measures 33 inches long, 33 inches wide, and is 31.5 inches high. It has a seat height of 15 inches and an arm height of 19 inches. The ottoman measures 21.5 inches long, 26 inches wide, and is 17.25 inches high. There are some small scuffs and scratches on the bases, and there is some light wear around the edges of the veneer. The leather on the ottoman has one small spot. Overall, this important set is in very good condition. Please see photos.