Lot 91- ULTRA RARE Set of Eight First Production Run Cherner Pretzel Chairs

The very first production run of the famous MCM Cherner Pretzel Chair by Plycraft. Geoge Nelson recommended Norman Cherner to redesign his unsuccesful "pretzel chair" for Plycraft, who whas trying to break into the furniture market from making boat hauls in 1958. Cherner presented Plycraft's Paul Goldman with his new improved bentwood Pretzel Chair designs only to be told that Plycraft had decided to scrap the project. Six months later, Cherner found his chairs in a showroom for sale under the Plycraft label crediting design by "Bernardo". Cherner immediately sued Plycraft, who had to stop production. Goldman admitted that "Bernardo" was a fictitious name- and Cherner won the lawsuit. Plycraft was allowed to continue production of the chairs, but was required to pay Cherner royalties and credit him on the label. The chair was featured in Norman Rockwell's September 1961 Saturday Evening Post cover. Later Plycraft added black vinyl padded seat and back cushions. In the 1980's Cherner's sons revived production of the Pretzel Chair, but the reproductions have chunkier less tapered legs and a wider waist. This set of Plycraft Pretzel Chairs feature the original "Bernardo" label on the underside, definitively dating them to the first production run of 1958 before the lawsuit. They were origianlly purchased in 1958 in Washington DC with a coordinating Bowling Block extension table (Lot 92) and unlabled sideboard (already sold). Our consignor bought the set from the original owner in 1980. They are in excellent original condition with no cracks, breaks, or repairs. They are very sturdy given their delicate proportions- I weigh close to 300 pounds (unfortunatley), and they comfortably support me. A beautiful and sought after addition to any MCM collection. Armchair 25 1/2" x 23" x 31" H