1954 Berkline "Leisure Lounge" Chaise Recliner - Patented Berk-Lock Mechanism

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Description:An extraordinary, museum-tier piece of American mid-century modern design history: an original 1954 Berkline "Leisure Lounge" chaise recliner (Model 864-611) … Read more Description:An extraordinary, museum-tier piece of American mid-century modern design history: an original 1954 Berkline "Leisure Lounge" chaise recliner (Model 864-611) in its incredibly rare, original mustard-yellow Masland Duran vinyl upholstery.

This is a true "one-of-one" survivor. Recliners from this era were the hard-working family workhorses of the 1950s American living room, and almost none survived intact.
While the vast majority of high-tension smooth vinyl from this era dried out, split, or went to landfills decades ago, this exceptional piece has remained entirely intact without splitting or tearing, an absolute rarity for purist MCM collectors and interior designers.

Every layer of this chair’s history is physically verified and fully documented. The original factory paper law tag is completely intact on the underside frame, explicitly confirming its authentic manufacture by the Berkline Corporation in Morristown, Tennessee.

Specifications & Features:Manufacturer: Berkline Corporation (Morristown, TN)

Model: Leisure Lounge (Model 864-611, Debuted 1954)

Mechanism: Patented original 1950s "Berk-Lock" 3-in-1 functional system. It smoothly operates to lounge, rock, and securely lock into place at multiple tension angles without slipping.

Upholstery: Original survivor-grade mustard yellow Masland Duran washable vinyl plastic with a smooth-tailored back layout.

Frame: Solid wood construction with a low-slung, sculptural atomic profile.

Suspension & Foundation: Heavy-duty, massive dual-coil bottom tension springs mounted to a solid wood rocker-reclining base. Tightly interwoven original jute webbing support grid.

Internal Cushioning: All-original authentic wood fiber and cotton batting fill (as physically verified by the factory law tag).

Condition:Excellent vintage survivor condition. Structurally rock-solid and mechanically sound. The patented Berk-Lock mechanism engages smoothly, allowing the user to seamlessly transition from rocking to locking into position. The massive dual tension coils function exactly as intended, providing deep, supportive comfort without sagging. The original jute webbing foundation remains perfectly taut. The vinyl shows beautiful, minor age-appropriate surface wear with normal vintage patina on the underside hardware, but features absolutely no structural splits, major cracks, or modern patch repairs.

An unrepeatable, heavily documented statement piece that will instantly anchor an elite mid-century modern, retro, or eclectic interior. See less