Michigan Popularized It In The '50s: Now It's A One-Of-A-Kind Thrift Store Find

Detroit's contribution to American culture is huge. Motown's music and cars are things Michiganders reflect on with pride. But lesser known is Michigan's place in the world of quality furniture. One of the most coveted vintage chairs imaginable also had its origins in Michigan. Herman Miller produced the legendary Eames lounge chair in a small western Michigan town, starting in 1956. You'll recognize its bent plywood base, butter-soft leather upholstery with tufted buttons, and back and armrests projecting from chrome posts. Charles Eames was hoping to create a chair that "has the warm receptive look of a well-used first baseman's mitt," and Miller more than delivered on that vision. This chair and ottoman combo epitomized comfort and luxury at the time, and the reputation hasn't changed for 70 years.

If you stumble across one of these original pieces at a resale shop, you'll be incredibly lucky. The Eames lounge chair is a piece of mid-century modern furniture that's now worth thousands. Restored early Eames lounge chairs with matching ottomans can fetch almost $15,000, and newer ones can still be incredibly valuable. These luxurious loungers are still made today, and their prices range between $5,500 and nearly $12,000 for brand-new chairs. Even well-maintained knockoffs can sport a four-digit price tag on auction sites, so an imitation Eames can be a stellar find.

You spy a second-hand chair with all the characteristics of an Eames lounge chair. Before you get carried away, make sure you've actually spotted a truly high-end, valuable thrift-store find.

There are several telltale signs that you're dealing with an authentic Eames. First, glance at the base of the chair and ottoman; the chair should have five legs extending starburst-style from a central post, while the ottoman should have four. If you see that the chair only has four legs, don't get too discouraged. This piece could still be Plycraft, a copy that is nearly as beautiful and can go for over $1,000 on resale sites or at auction.

Once your chair has passed the "leg test," it's time to dig deeper. The chair's metal base should sit permanently at about a 15-degree angle, and if you've encountered an older piece, you should notice a brass fitting between the chair's attachment hardware and the stand.

Now we're down to the nitty-gritty, and a magnifying glass may come in handy. Unscrew a foot attachment from one of the legs and see if it's inscribed with the words "Domes of Silence." If it isn't, check another one or two, since older models may have replacement parts. While you're down there, peek at the screws; true Eames loungers should have black Phillips-head screws that overlap the base hardware. Again, a real Eames could sport replacement hardware, so if you're still feeling hopeful and have the means, seek out a professional who can help authenticate your latest thrifting find.