First-production pair of Charles Pollock's Model 657 sling lounge chair for Knoll, one of the most recognizable designs of American mid-century modernism. Both chairs retain their original Knoll Associates, Inc. 320 Park Avenue, New York labels on the underside of the sling. That's the company's pre-1969 name and address, which dates these to the first five years of production, 1964 to 1969. Most 657s on the market are later Knoll International examples. Early labeled pairs are what collectors look for.
Saddle leather slings with original black leather seat cushions, polished chrome tubular steel frames, black enameled cast aluminum side rails, and black lacquered arms. The saddle and black colorway is far less common than the all-black version and reads warmer in a room.
Condition: honest, original, and unrestored. The leather has been cleaned and conditioned, never dyed or painted. Slings show crazing and surface cracking along the top edges of the backs and front seat edges, plus sun-mellowed tone shifts that read as patina, not damage. Each sling has a small split at the edge where it wraps the frame, visible on the underside next to the label (photographed). Slings are tight, fully supportive, and comfortable to sit in. Cushions show light scuffing and creasing. Chrome is bright with minor age wear, frames are solid and level, no wobble.


Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: Original, unrestored condition. Saddle leather slings show crazing and surface cracking along the top edges of the backs and front seat edges, with sun-mellowed tone variation. Each sling has a small split at the lower edge where it wraps the frame, visible on the underside near the label. Slings remain taut and fully supportive. Original black leather cushions show scuffing, creasing, and light wear. Chrome is bright with minor age wear. Black enameled aluminum rails show light scuffs. Frames are solid and level with no wobble. Original Knoll Associates, Inc. 320 Park Avenue, N.Y. labels present on both chairs.

Origin:
United States

Creator:
Brand: Knoll; Artist: Charles Pollock; Designer: Charles Pollock

Materials & Techniques:
Aluminum, Polished Chrome Finish

Details:
Number of Seats: 2
Country of Origin: United States
Arm Height: 22.75in
Seat Height: 16.25in
What type of item is it? Vintage / Antique / Used

Original Condition Unaltered; Some Imperfections; Original, unrestored condition. Saddle leather slings show crazing and surface cracking along the top edges of the backs and front seat edges, with sun-mellowed tone variation. Each sling has a small split at the lower edge where it wraps the frame, visible on the underside near the label. Slings remain taut and fully supportive. Original black leather cushions show scuffing, creasing, and light wear. Chrome is bright with minor age wear. Black enameled aluminum rails show light scuffs. Frames are solid and level with no wobble. Original Knoll Associates, Inc. 320 Park Avenue, N.Y. labels present on both chairs.