Eames ES106 Chaise Longue, Eames 'Billy Wilder' Chaise

Quick Intro

What is an Eames ES106 Billy Wilder Chaise Longue?

Released in 1968, the Eames ES106 Chaise Longue would also become affectionately known as the Eames 'Billy Wilder' Chaise and later be re-coded into model H106. It was essentially a luxurious full leather daybed but with an extra twist.

The anecdotal story that always surrounded the Eames ES106 Chaise Longue was that the idea came from a visit by Charles and Ray to the actor Billy Wilder. He remarked on his need for a daybed and was currently using a long 6 foot plank suspended between 2 sawhorses. The reality however is that there was some 13 years between that moment and the release of the ES106 so the level of direct inspiration is patchy. Wilder was however, presented with one of the first to come from the production line.

The Eames ES106 Chaise Longue was very much in tandem with other designs of the period, including the Intermediate Chair and Soft Pad Range. It had 6 separate soft cushions, made from the best leather upholstery, tied together to sit on the frame of the Chaise. There was then two extra pillows for added comfort. The Chaise was initially released only in the very best Black leather and aubergine/eggplant frame but would later be available in other colors, black frame and sometimes fabric.

Unlike other daybeds, the Eames ES106 Chaise Longue was not designed for sleeping but for cat (or power) napping. The thin profile of the Chaise Longue meant that the user had to rest their arms on the chest rather than by the side. Should the user then begin to fall into a deep sleep, the motion of their users arms dropping heavily down would wake them.

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Specification

What are the original specifications of the ES106 Billy Wilder Chaise?

Height	28.75"	73.02 cm
Width	75"	190.5 cm
Depth	17.5"	44.45 cm
Seat Height	20.5"	52.07

The materials that went into making the ES106 Chaise were:

Frame	Sand & die cast Aluminum frame in eggplant or black (and later white)
Upholstery	Best Aucht Leather, aniline leather and some hopsack textiles
Support	Stretched Fiberthin
Feet	Nylon Floor Glides

Buying Tips and Authenticity

Is my Eames ES106 Billy Wilder Chaise authentic? What makes it valuable?

The ES106 Billy Wilder Chaise will have the usual Herman Miller labels to the underside of the frame, giving the best possible indication of the authenticity of the piece. Starting with the Black Strip labels for the 70's and 80's, silver strip into the 90's and then more recent oval and oblong variants.
There are very few known reproductions with some attempts emanating from the far east. They are not made to pass off as the original and are more in 'the style of' rather than exact copies. The quality of the leather and color and build of the frames do not tend to be right. They are also not found with labels or stamps that could be confused as being from Herman Miller.
The ES106 was a luxurious and expensive daybed model, right from it's conception. This means that the starting value in the secondary market is always high to begin with and is on par with the Eames Lounge Chair. Early editions in black leather do tend to fetch a marginally higher price but leather in general is always desirable. There are few fabric ones which will be lower.
When buying, check the frame for bumps, scratches and dings in the paintwork. A scruffy frame will impact the value to a small degree. The upholstery needs to be free from cuts and tears and still have a nice plumpness to the cushions otherwise the value will diminish.