1950s Set of 8 Vintage Cherner Dining Chairs – First-Gen Plycraft Production With “Designed by Bernado” Labels

Details

Description

Offered is a stunning, matched set of 8 original vintage Cherner dining chairs, designed by Norman Cherner and manufactured by … Read more Offered is a stunning, matched set of 8 original vintage Cherner dining chairs, designed by Norman Cherner and manufactured by Plycraft Inc. of Lawrence, Massachusetts. Several chairs retain the original gold oval Plycraft label marked “Designed by Bernado” — an extremely rare detail that confirms this set was produced before Cherner’s historic copyright battle.

Design History & Provenance
In a now-famous design battle, Cherner was commissioned by Plycraft to develop this chair, only to be told the project had been canceled. Plycraft went ahead anyway — crediting the design to “Bernado.” When Cherner discovered the deception, he sued and won, reclaiming authorship of one of the most iconic chairs of the 20th century.

Chairs marked “Designed by Bernado” were only made during that short pre-litigation period. This set is part of that rare, first-generation production, making it an incredibly collectible slice of mid-century design history.

Vintage vs. Modern
While the form remains consistent with today’s licensed editions, these first-gen originals are subtly—but meaningfully—different.

▪︎ Thinner curved waists
▪︎ More delicate, spindly legs
▪︎ Sharper silhouette and lighter profile

Just as strong but noticeably sexier, with proportions that are no longer reproduced. These small design differences make vintage originals stand apart to trained eyes and serious collectors.

Key Features
▪︎ Authentic MCM vintage – not reproductions
▪︎ First-gen Plycraft production (late 1950s)
▪︎ Gold oval Plycraft labels marked “Designed by Bernado”
▪︎ Sculptural molded walnut plywood
▪︎ All 8 chairs match in tone and finish
▪︎ Excellent condition
▪︎ Tight, solid joints – structurally sound and ready for daily use
▪︎ From a single collection – not a married set of 4 + 4

️Why Buy Vintage?
While anyone could spend the same on newly produced Cherner chairs, few can acquire first-gen originals like these. They carry a richer history, rare early details, and an authenticity that simply can’t be replicated.

For the right collector, they offer more than just design — they embody a story. And with the right custodian, this set can easily grace another 70 years of living, gathering, and building your own family legacy.

I'm not a dealer — just a passionate MCM collector out of space.

Ship anywhere or easy pickup in Seattle
Will not separate – matched sets of 8 in this condition are exceptionally rare and significantly more valuable together. See less