Posted 14 years ago
Bootson
(72 items)
Hello,
I bought two of chairs and a few years ago. I was told they were Howell / Hoffman chairs. I am attaching a photo of each. I have seen just a few others that are similar but none that are exactly the same. I would like to get a positive identification and value from someone who knows. Thank you.
The non-bouncy chair is Hoffmann, and made by Howell. It's design Patent # D98518 which you can see at "http://www.google.com/patents?id=BOBoAAAAEBAJ&pg=PA1&dq=wolfgang+hoffmann&source=gbs_selected_pages&cad=2#v=onepage&q=wolfgang%20hoffmann&f=false"
The springer chair was made by Howell but not designed by Hoffmann. It was designed by Philip E. G. Ericson. Design Patent # D93712. You can see it at " http://www.google.com/patents?id=YvR5AAAAEBAJ&pg=PA1&dq=DESIGN+FOR+A+CHAIR+howell&source=gbs_selected_pages&cad=2#v=onepage&q=DESIGN%20FOR%20A%20CHAIR%20howell&f=false".
As for value? I've seen them go unsold at auction at a $200-400 estimate for a low, to a high retail (think 1stdibs.com) of $1200-1600. If you think you are going to sell them go with the lower values. If you have a high end shop, who knows? As an example, I have a Hoffman/Lloyd Manufacturing chaise lounge that I have seen priced as high a $3500, but have never known one to sell for more than $800.
What a great answer - right down to the links to the patents! Your price observations are what I was thinking too. - Thanks Sabeletodo.
I think I have a Hoffman/Howell chair, also. I have been surfing the net trying to identify it. The chair I have looks like the lower right pix(in the 4 square view), but it has a metal plate or bottom over the bars under the seat. I suppose I could remove it. Or, perhaps I have a knockoff of the Howell/Hoffman chair.
Thank you for posting the pictures and asking the question. I would like to sell mine.
I have a chair that looks exactly like that but has the back support bars vertical not horizontal, wondering if it could also be a Hoffman for Howell chair. I'm new to this site so I will try to send photos.
Thanks for the comment aa2h, I'm on my way to check out your chair post now.
Thanks vintagmad
I know this post is 10 years old. But how can you tell a knockoff Howell from a real one?