Eames Alu Recliner Chair, Eames Reclining Alu Chair

Quick Intro

What is an Eames Reclining Aluminum Lounge Chair?

Part of the 'Alu Group' range designed in 1957 and released in 1958, the full size Eames Ribbed Recliner Chair was a lounge chair model with adjustable tilting function, higher back rest and additional head support pillow. The reclining Alu Group lounge chair was made to be more luxurious and designed at an angle to provide the maximum rest and support to the user.

The tilt section sat just below the ‘antlers’ of the support bar and just above the stem of the base. It was a box shaped rolling tilt section constructed from rubber-and-steel called a Flo-Tilt cylinder. The chair was offered with (model 684) or without arms (model 683) and with the addition of an ottoman which was available to buy separately.

The Aluminum Group was designed to be utilized both indoor and out and was originally made available in Saran fabric and selected Naugahyde colors. Later Herman Miller would release the chair with leather and plastic mesh as well as concentrate the range for indoor and workplace markets. The Eames Alu Recliner Chair was released alongside a lounge chair as well as an upright desk chair with either a small or high back.

The Alu Group's versatility and popularity has rarely waned and the series have developed an iconic status, often inspiring modern designs as well as being very largely copied.

The Eames Reclining Alu Chair has seen some code changes, base changes and fabric option changes but has always been in constant production since its original release in 1958.

What are the model numbers of the Alu Group Recliner?

What are the model numbers and codes of the Alu Group Lounge Chair? Chairs in the Alu Group have baffled buyers, sellers and collectors for years with their seemingly endless array of product codes, numbers and names. Our estimated full Alu Group classification is available to view but for the Recliner model here is a brief summary to help:

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Specification

What are the original sizes of the Alu Group Recliner?

Height	39"	99.06 cm
Width	26.75"	67.95 cm
Depth	30.5"	77.47 cm
Seat Height	15.875"	40.32 cm

What materials went into making the Alu Group Recliner?

Frame	Sand-Cast Aluminum
Upholstery	Naugahyde, Hopsack, Leather
Feet	Nylon Floor Glides

Generations

Many of the designs of Charles and Ray Eames went through developments and changes over the years. Some were necessary and some were visual or based on usability. Flexibility was the main reason for change in the Alu Group with bases being introduced that could be used with glides or castors as the main catalyst. Generations are subjective but the Alu Group allows them to be fairly precise if the changes in bases and codes over the years are used to decide them.

Alu Group 1st Generation Pedestal Base

1st Generation

The Alu Group was designed in 1957 and released to the marketplace in 1958. The original 1st generation had the 4 way 'Pedestal' or 'contract' base.

This first base used a bright and polished aluminum, giving a solid support and eye catching finish.

The original model numbers were changed in 1966 with the introduction of Herman Miller's EA coding system.

Estimated years 1957-1973

The Universal (Spider) base with 4 legs and nylon floor glides

2nd Generation

The second gen base was released in 1966 and is known as the Universal base. The new base didn't directly replace the pedestal bases as they were available side by side for some 7 years.

The new Universal base was designed for both floor glides and castors, though the recliner did not use the latter.

The tilt mechanism was changed in the mid 70's from the Flo-Tilt to a black torsion bar.

Estimated years 1966-1993

The 3rd generation Alu Group base featured 5 legs

3rd Generation

The 3rd generation base retained the Universal style but with the addition of an extra leg, making a star shaped 5 leg version for extra stability.

Not only was this period important for the change of the base type but was also when leather was introduced as a fabric choice for the Alu Group Series.

The 5 star base overlapped the 4 star base before replacing it entirely in 1993..

Estimated years 1985-2011

Modern outdoor versions back on 4 star Universal bases

Modern Generation

In 2011 Herman Miller changed back from the 5 star base to the older 4 star base and re-used the old code for the recliner.

The new generation has also been released for the outdoors, mirroring the original design from 1957. The recliner however is not yet part of the outdoor range but the lounge version is.

The new generation has also introduced a white frame for the chair.

Estimated years 2011-Present

Buying Tips and Authenticity

Is my Eames Alu Recliner authentic? What makes it valuable?

All Alu group eames chairs including the recliner have been targets of reproduction copies over the years. They never do live up to the quality of authentic pieces and a few good checks can help with the authenticating process.
The recliner, along with all Alu Group chairs, will have had original lamps or stamps from the manufacturer. The early Alu Group chairs actually had stamps pressed into the metal of the underside of the chair. Some of the 80's and 90's labels get difficult due to being removable but once into the 2000's the labels were sewn into the fabric of the chairs.
Almost all reproductions found in the marketplace are made with cheaper chrome as opposed to brushed Aluminum. Chrome plating is brighter and super glossy in appearance. To be fair, reproduction makers and re-sellers don't generally 'pass off' their chairs as being originals but they do enter the secondary marketplace.
Almost all of the reproduction versions found in the marketplace use the later 4 or 5 leg Universal/Cruciform base, thus giving good reason to suspect that Pedestal based versions are usually good by default.
As well as the brushed Aluminum, the Alu Group was also available in a darker near black frame coined Aubergine. White frame chairs have only become available in the more recent modes.

Condition is actually the first important factor when determining value of any of the Alu Recliners, before fabric type and then age. The reason is the high level of difficulty in attempting to re-upholster these chairs which most upholsterers would not be able to complete. The upholstery is machine stretched and pressed into shape which is a difficult thing to replicate. It is important to check for sagging in the fabric, most likely on the seat section and of course look thoroughly for holes and tears.
Leather was not available until much later in the life of the Alu Group series. Leather is naturally a more expensive material and is certainly more desirable within the secondary market. This is why the value of 80's and later versions in leather can be even more valuable than even the earlier generations. This is unusual as normally age is the most important factor but leather changed everything with the Alu Group.
Age is then the third most important factor in determining value. Mint versions of early Pedestal based recliners will fetch a good price and use the Alu classification page to help age and date a chair.
One manufacturing flaw over the years was Herman Miller's use of a cellulose as a coating on the arms of the Alu Group chairs. This was used to warm the user's touch to the metal of the arm. Unfortunately however the coating would crack and look unsightly over the years. Look out for this as it can affect a value as the arm would either need to have the lacquer removed or be replaced entirely.