Plycraft Mr. Chair Value Guide

Mr Chair by George Mulhauser PLYCRAFT Lounge Chair & Ottoman ...
Plycraft Mr. Chair
Estimated Value
$1,800 – $1,980
Period
1960-1969
Origin
United States
Materials
Molded Plywood, Walnut Veneer, Leather, Chrome-plated Steel
Category
Plycraft

Designed by George Mulhauser in the late 1950s, the Plycraft Mr. Chair stands as a bold, single-shell competitor to the Eames Lounge Chair. Its distinctive wing-back profile and streamlined molded plywood construction made it a staple of 1960s American executive and residential decor.

What Is Plycraft Mr. Chair Worth?

The typical price range for Plycraft Mr. Chair is $1,800 - $1,980 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

  • Condition of the walnut veneer, specifically looking for cracks in the molded plywood or sun-fading to the finish.
  • Originality of the upholstery, with authentic black or cognac leather in good supple condition commanding the highest prices.
  • Presence of the matching ottoman, which significantly increases the market value toward the $1,980 range.
  • Mechanical integrity of the swivel and tilt tension mechanism housed within the chrome-plated steel base.

How to Identify Plycraft Mr. Chair?

  • Look for the signature single-shell molded plywood construction where the seat and back are joined as one continuous unit.
  • Verify the presence of the original Plycraft manufacturer label often located on the underside of the chair shell.
  • Inspect the base for the specific four-star or five-star chrome-plated steel design characteristic of Mulhauser's 1960s production.
  • Identify the unique 'bentwood' armrests that curve seamlessly from the main walnut veneer body.

History of Plycraft Mr. Chair

Designed in the late 1950s by George Mulhauser, this chair was created for Plycraft as a direct competitor to the Herman Miller Eames Lounge Chair. Unlike the Eames version, the Mr. Chair features a single-shell molded plywood construction for the seat and back, creating a more streamlined, wing-back profile. It became an iconic piece of 1960s office and home decor.

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