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Handmade Modern Chair circa 1950 Plywood Prototype? | Mid Century Modern815 of 823 |  |  |
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Posted 3 years ago
JimLinderman
(160 items)
A handmade and primtive modern chair. Found in Michigan not far from the Herman Miller factory, this early, small, three-legged chair has an old plywood patina and a rough-cutout form. Easily 50 years old, it looks like a Calder. No nails or screws were used in construction, all pieces are joined by glue.
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I don't think it is "plywood" exactly. I think it is spruce or pine with a veneer on either side. In the first picture there is a knot hole on the left end of the top brace on the back of the chair. In the third photo, again, there is a knot hole in the bottom brace.
Based on the size it could be a prototype, salesmans sample, or made for someones doll.
I believe you are right, it has a veneer. There is a tiny chip on the bottom of one leg near the fruit! I think that is a veneer chip. But would it have been applied before construction?
Or was there commercially available veneer wood then? This was handmade, and with considerable effort and design skills (it easily supports me, though looks light as a feather)
but the maker certainly wouldn't have taken the time to apply a veneer himself, right?
THANKS Jim Linderman
what a beautiful chair- reminds me of the THONET chairs. Have you checked them out?