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Emeco Seating

American

While they’re best known for their revolutionary Navy chair, iconic American furniture company Emeco makes a whole range of seating and other furniture — not just seaworthy chairs. The development of each product is guided by an eco-friendly ethos and pragmatic approach to design.

Emeco began to take shape during the 1940s, when the U.S. Navy needed a lightweight, fireproof chair that could withstand a torpedo blast and hold up to use by “big, burly sailors,” says Gregg Buchbinder, Emeco’s chief executive.

With experts from the Aluminum Company of America, an engineer named Wilton C. Dinges (1916–74) delivered, and the Emeco 1006 — that is, the Navy chair — an aluminum classic, was born. In order to demonstrate the chair’s sturdiness, Dinges threw it from the eighth floor of a hotel in Chicago, and when it landed, the chair bounced in lieu of breaking or bending.

The engineer secured a contract to manufacture the Navy chair beginning in 1944 at the Electrical Machine and Equipment Company (Emeco), which he’d founded a few years earlier in Hanover, Pennsylvania. In the ensuing decades, the factory’s craftsmen would stamp out by hand hundreds of thousands of Navy chairs for battleships, aircraft carriers and submarines — a process that requires more than 70 steps.

Today, the impossibly durable Navy chair, which is recyclable and made of at least 80 percent recycled aluminum, inspires knockoffs left and right and can be found in a variety of public settings, from upscale restaurants to hotels and offices. But it took time to get here.

In 1979, Gregg’s father, Jay Buchbinder, a businessman whose Long Beach, California, furniture company manufactured seating for fast food restaurants, purchased Emeco. The company hit a rough patch in the 1990s. When Gregg acquired Emeco from Jay in 1998, he took the $2 million in debt that came along with it. Fortuitously, Gregg learned that the Navy chair had taken on a new nonmilitary identity around the same time and that it was increasingly seen as sleek and retro in addition to being great submarine seating. Orders for the Navy chair were coming in from design luminaries like Ettore Sottsass, Giorgio Armani and a daring young French designer named Philippe Starck, who purchased a large number of 1006s for Ian Schrager’s Paramount hotel in New York City.

Gregg seized on Emeco’s newfound popularity, initiating a partnership with Starck, who would design the company’s Hudson Collection, a line planned for Manhattan’s Hudson Hotel that saw the Navy chair take on the form of a barstool and other pieces. He also partnered with Frank Gehry, whose Superlight chair for Emeco can be hoisted off the ground with one hand. Collaborations with Jasper Morrison, Jean Nouvel and others followed, and today, Emeco continues to build durable seating furniture from a range of recycled materials with a variety of designers.

Find authentic Emeco chairs, stools, tables and other furniture on 1stDibs.

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Creator: Emeco
Set of Six Brushed Aluminum #111 "Navy" Chairs  by Emeco with Cushion
Set of Six Brushed Aluminum #111 "Navy" Chairs  by Emeco with Cushion

Set of Six Brushed Aluminum #111 "Navy" Chairs by Emeco with Cushion

By Emeco

Located in San Diego, CA

Set of six brushed aluminum #111 "Navy" chairs by Emeco, circa 1990s. the set is very sturdy and functional and in very good vintage condition. The chairs come with black Naugahyde seat pads and measure 15.5"W x 19.5"D x 34"H with a seat height of 18". #3528 Originally designed for use on WWII...

Category

Late 20th Century American Industrial Emeco Seating

Materials

Aluminum

Emeco Hudson Chair in Polished Aluminum by Philippe Starck
Emeco Hudson Chair in Polished Aluminum by Philippe Starck

Emeco Hudson Chair in Polished Aluminum by Philippe Starck

By Philippe Starck, Emeco

Located in Hanover, PA

The Hudson, designed for the Hudson hotel in NYC, is Emeco and Starck’s first collaboration. Starck described the chair as “washing the details from the N...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Emeco Seating

Materials

Aluminum

Emeco 1006 Navy Chair in Brushed Aluminum by US Navy
Emeco 1006 Navy Chair in Brushed Aluminum by US Navy

Emeco 1006 Navy Chair in Brushed Aluminum by US Navy

By Emeco

Located in Hanover, PA

First built for use on submarines in 1944, the Navy Chair has been in continuous Production ever since. With the famous 77 step Process, our craftsmen take ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Emeco Seating

Materials

Aluminum

Vintage Set of Six Industrial Iron Chairs on Wheels with Wooden Seat
Vintage Set of Six Industrial Iron Chairs on Wheels with Wooden Seat

Vintage Set of Six Industrial Iron Chairs on Wheels with Wooden Seat

By Emeco

Located in Antwerp, BE

Set of six metal chairs with wooden seats Industrial Navy dining, side chairs based on wheels designed by Emeco, Germany. All chairs in a very good condition, the wood has a nice pat...

Category

1970s German Industrial Vintage Emeco Seating

Materials

Iron

2020s Philippe Starck for Emeco Broom Bar Stool in Orange 8x Available
2020s Philippe Starck for Emeco Broom Bar Stool in Orange 8x Available

2020s Philippe Starck for Emeco Broom Bar Stool in Orange 8x Available

By Philippe Starck, Emeco

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This is a Broom Bar Stool, originally designed by Philippe Starck for Emeco in 2012. These particular examples were produced in the United States in the 2020s. The stools are finishe...

Category

2010s American Modern Emeco Seating

Materials

Wood

Set of 6 Emeco 1006 Navy Chairs — Brushed Aluminum Finish
Set of 6 Emeco 1006 Navy Chairs — Brushed Aluminum Finish

Set of 6 Emeco 1006 Navy Chairs — Brushed Aluminum Finish

By Emeco

Located in Los Angeles, CA

set of six Emeco Navy Chairs, crafted in brushed aluminum. Originally designed for use on U.S. Navy submarines during World War II, these chairs have become an enduring icon of American industrial design. Lightweight, incredibly strong, and built to last a lifetime. Each chair features Emeco’s signature hand-welded construction with a clean, minimalist silhouette that fits effortlessly in modern, industrial, and contemporary interiors. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Emeco chair, Navy chair, brushed aluminum furniture, aluminum dining chair, American industrial design, modern metal chair, Bauhaus style, minimalist furniture, sustainable design, mid century modern, industrial seating, collectible design, aluminum furniture, cafe chair, restaurant chair, timeless modern design, US Navy chair, contemporary interiors, steel chair, Hollywood Regency, loft furniture...

Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Emeco Seating

Materials

Aluminum

Vintage Emeco Corp Art Deco Brushed Aluminum Black Swivel Office Desk Chair
Vintage Emeco Corp Art Deco Brushed Aluminum Black Swivel Office Desk Chair

Vintage Emeco Corp Art Deco Brushed Aluminum Black Swivel Office Desk Chair

By Emeco

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Vintage Emeco Corp Art Deco Brushed Aluminum Black Swivel Office Desk Chair. Details: Adjustable height, sculpted aluminum base, black vinyl upholstery, rolling casters, original lab...

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Art Deco Emeco Seating

Materials

Aluminum

Emeco Navy Swivel Armchair in Brushed Aluminum with Bar Back by Us Navy
Emeco Navy Swivel Armchair in Brushed Aluminum with Bar Back by Us Navy

Emeco Navy Swivel Armchair in Brushed Aluminum with Bar Back by Us Navy

By Emeco

Located in Hanover, PA

First built for use on submarines in 1944, the Navy Chair has been in continuous Production ever since. With the famous 77 step Process, our craftsmen take soft, recycled aluminum, h...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Emeco Seating

Materials

Aluminum

2011 Emeco Navy 1006 Dining / Side Chair in Mint Polished Aluminum
2011 Emeco Navy 1006 Dining / Side Chair in Mint Polished Aluminum

2011 Emeco Navy 1006 Dining / Side Chair in Mint Polished Aluminum

By Emeco

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This is an original Emeco side dining chair, Model 1006, originally designed in 1944 for the U.S. Navy. This chair was built by hand from recycled aluminum in Hanover, Pennsylvania. ...

Category

2010s American Modern Emeco Seating

Materials

Aluminum

2000 Limited Edition Philippe Starck for Emeco Hudson Side Chairs Edition 1000
2000 Limited Edition Philippe Starck for Emeco Hudson Side Chairs Edition 1000

2000 Limited Edition Philippe Starck for Emeco Hudson Side Chairs Edition 1000

By Philippe Starck, Emeco

Located in Philadelphia, PA

These are limited edition Hudson Dining Chairs in polished aluminum, a collaboration between famed designer Philippe Starck and American manufacturer Emeco. They were specially desig...

Category

Early 2000s American Modern Emeco Seating

Materials

Aluminum

Set of Six Emeco Navy Counter Stools in Brushed Aluminum
Set of Six Emeco Navy Counter Stools in Brushed Aluminum

Set of Six Emeco Navy Counter Stools in Brushed Aluminum

By Emeco

Located in Rio Vista, CA

Iconic American set of six navy counter height stools finished in brushed aluminum made by Emeco. Designed in 1944 and still in production today. The navy chair is hand-formed from r...

Category

20th Century American Modern Emeco Seating

Materials

Aluminum

2013 Emeco Navy Dining Arm Chair in Brushed Aluminum, Model 1006-A
2013 Emeco Navy Dining Arm Chair in Brushed Aluminum, Model 1006-A

2013 Emeco Navy Dining Arm Chair in Brushed Aluminum, Model 1006-A

By Emeco

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This is an original Emeco Armchair, Model 1006-A, designed in 1944 for the U.S. Navy. This example dates to 2013. The chair was built by hand from recycled aluminum in Hanover, Penns...

Category

2010s American Modern Emeco Seating

Materials

Aluminum

1970s 33m Grey Chairs by Richard Ogg for Emeco
1970s 33m Grey Chairs by Richard Ogg for Emeco

1970s 33m Grey Chairs by Richard Ogg for Emeco

By Emeco

Located in San Gabriel, CA

1970s 33m chairs by Richard Ogg for Emeco. Perforated plastic. Good condition with some wear to plastic and chrome. Six available and sold individually.

Category

1970s American Space Age Vintage Emeco Seating

Materials

Chrome

Vintage aluminium Emeco Navy chair in good condition
Vintage aluminium Emeco Navy chair in good condition

Vintage aluminium Emeco Navy chair in good condition

By Emeco

Located in Meulebeke, BE

Vintage aluminum Emeco Navy chair in good condition USA / 1944 / chair / Navy / Emeco / aluminum / Mid-century / Vintage / Industrial Iconic design chair “Navy” for Emeco. Designed for use on submarines in 1944, the Navy Chair has been in continuous production ever since. This is a recent production in a very good condition. The stool is handcrafted from recycled aluminium, and the manufacturing process has 77 different steps in total. The 1006 Navy bar stool...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Emeco Seating

Materials

Aluminum

2010s Set of Three Philippe Starck for Emeco Bar Stools in Brushed Aluminum
2010s Set of Three Philippe Starck for Emeco Bar Stools in Brushed Aluminum

2010s Set of Three Philippe Starck for Emeco Bar Stools in Brushed Aluminum

By Philippe Starck, Emeco

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This is a set of three Emeco Bar Stools, originally designed by Philippe Starck for Emeco in 2001. These particular examples were produced in the United States in the 2010s. The stoo...

Category

2010s American Modern Emeco Seating

Materials

Aluminum

American modern swivel brushed aluminum Hudson chairs by Starck for Emeco, 2000s
American modern swivel brushed aluminum Hudson chairs by Starck for Emeco, 2000s

American modern swivel brushed aluminum Hudson chairs by Starck for Emeco, 2000s

By Philippe Starck, Emeco

Located in MIlano, IT

American modern swivel chairs Hudson brushed aluminum by Starck for Emeco, 2000 Set of four chairs mod. Hudson entirely in brushed aluminum. The backrest and seat are slightly shaped...

Category

Early 2000s American Emeco Seating

Materials

Metal, Aluminum

Set of Three Emeco 1951 Bar Stools by Adrian van Hooydonk and BMW Designworks
Set of Three Emeco 1951 Bar Stools by Adrian van Hooydonk and BMW Designworks

Set of Three Emeco 1951 Bar Stools by Adrian van Hooydonk and BMW Designworks

By Adrian Van Hooydonk, Emeco

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Listed for sale is a set of three 1951 series bar stools, designed by Adrian van Hooydonk from BMW Designworks. This is a phenomenal design, which was a reinterpretation and reintrod...

Category

1950s American Modern Vintage Emeco Seating

Materials

Aluminum

FOUR COLLECTABLE ViNTAGE EMECO 111 BRUSHED ALUMINIUM COUNTER BAR STOOLS
FOUR COLLECTABLE ViNTAGE EMECO 111 BRUSHED ALUMINIUM COUNTER BAR STOOLS

FOUR COLLECTABLE ViNTAGE EMECO 111 BRUSHED ALUMINIUM COUNTER BAR STOOLS

By Emeco

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely suite of four vintage RRP £5,600 Emeco 111 Brushed Aluminum Navy Collection bar counter stools ...

Category

20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Emeco Seating

Materials

Aluminum

2010s Emeco 1951 Counter Stools by BMW Designworks in Brushed Aluminum
2010s Emeco 1951 Counter Stools by BMW Designworks in Brushed Aluminum

2010s Emeco 1951 Counter Stools by BMW Designworks in Brushed Aluminum

By Adrian Van Hooydonk, Emeco

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This is a 1951 Counter Stool, redesigned by Adrian van Hooydonk of BMW Designworks for Emeco in 2003. Adrian created an updated version of this stool that retains Emeco's DNA, yet lo...

Category

2010s American Modern Emeco Seating

Materials

Aluminum

C. 2021 Jasper Morrison for Emeco Navy Officer Desk Chair in Aluminum and Vinyl
C. 2021 Jasper Morrison for Emeco Navy Officer Desk Chair in Aluminum and Vinyl

C. 2021 Jasper Morrison for Emeco Navy Officer Desk Chair in Aluminum and Vinyl

By Emeco, Jasper Morrison

Located in Philadelphia, PA

These are Navy Officer Swivel Armchairs, originally designed by Jasper Morrison for Emeco in 2020, as a refined version of the 1948 examples. These particular examples were produced ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Emeco Seating

Materials

Aluminum

2010s Emeco 1006 Navy Counter Stool in Brushed Aluminum 5x Available
2010s Emeco 1006 Navy Counter Stool in Brushed Aluminum 5x Available

2010s Emeco 1006 Navy Counter Stool in Brushed Aluminum 5x Available

By Emeco

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This is a 1006 Navy Counter Stool, originally designed by Emeco in 1944 for the US Navy. These stools are built by hand from recycled aluminum in Hanover, Pennsylvania. Aluminum is a...

Category

2010s American Modern Emeco Seating

Materials

Aluminum

Set of Six Late 20th C. Emeco Industries Painted Metal and Upholstered Armchairs
Set of Six Late 20th C. Emeco Industries Painted Metal and Upholstered Armchairs

Set of Six Late 20th C. Emeco Industries Painted Metal and Upholstered Armchairs

By Emeco

Located in Germantown, MD

Set of Six Late 20th Century Emeco Industries Painted Metal and Upholstered Armchairs. Measures 22.75" in width, 20" in depth and 32.5" in height. Seat height is 17". Arm height 26"....

Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Emeco Seating

Materials

Metal

2020s Set of Six Philippe Starck for Emeco Broom Stacking Chairs in Orange
2020s Set of Six Philippe Starck for Emeco Broom Stacking Chairs in Orange

2020s Set of Six Philippe Starck for Emeco Broom Stacking Chairs in Orange

By Emeco, Philippe Starck

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This is a set of six Broom Stacking Chairs, originally designed by Philippe Starck for Emeco in 2012. These examples were produced in the 2020s. The chairs are finished in orange and...

Category

2010s American Modern Emeco Seating

Materials

Wood

American post modern stool in aluminum by Philippe Starck for Emeco, 2000s
American post modern stool in aluminum by Philippe Starck for Emeco, 2000s

American post modern stool in aluminum by Philippe Starck for Emeco, 2000s

By Emeco, Philippe Starck

Located in MIlano, IT

American post modern stool in aluminum by Philippe Starck for Emeco, 2000s Bar stool made entirely of hand-brushed aluminum. It features a contoured seat. The legs are joined by a cu...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Post-Modern Emeco Seating

Materials

Aluminum

C. 2004 Frank Gehry for Emeco Superlight Chairs in Brushed Aluminum 3x Available
C. 2004 Frank Gehry for Emeco Superlight Chairs in Brushed Aluminum 3x Available

C. 2004 Frank Gehry for Emeco Superlight Chairs in Brushed Aluminum 3x Available

By Frank Gehry, Emeco

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This is a 'Superlight' Recycled Aluminum Chair, designed by Frank Gehry for Emeco in 2004. These examples date to around the same time. The listed price includes one chair, and we ha...

Category

Early 2000s American Modern Emeco Seating

Materials

Aluminum

1969 Emeco Navy Aluminum Side Chair with Red Vinyl Seat and Back, Model 1002
1969 Emeco Navy Aluminum Side Chair with Red Vinyl Seat and Back, Model 1002

1969 Emeco Navy Aluminum Side Chair with Red Vinyl Seat and Back, Model 1002

By Emeco

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This is a Navy Aluminum Upholstered Side Chair, Model 1002, first produced by Emeco for use on American submarines in 1944. This particular example dates to 1969. The design features...

Category

1960s American Modern Vintage Emeco Seating

Materials

Aluminum

Set of Three 2018 Emeco Navy Bar Stools w/ Seat Pads in Brushed Aluminum
Set of Three 2018 Emeco Navy Bar Stools w/ Seat Pads in Brushed Aluminum

Set of Three 2018 Emeco Navy Bar Stools w/ Seat Pads in Brushed Aluminum

By Emeco

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This is a set of three original Emeco bar stools, Model 1006. This design was originally created in 1944 for the US Navy. The listed price includes the set of three chairs as shown, ...

Category

2010s American Modern Emeco Seating

Materials

Aluminum

2000s Pair of Emeco for BMW Designworks 1951 Counter Stools in Black
2000s Pair of Emeco for BMW Designworks 1951 Counter Stools in Black

2000s Pair of Emeco for BMW Designworks 1951 Counter Stools in Black

By Emeco

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This is a pair of 1951 stools, originally designed by BMW Designworks in 2005. These particular pieces were produced by Emeco in the USA in the 2000s. The stools feature seats and ba...

Category

Early 2000s American Modern Emeco Seating

Materials

Aluminum

2010s Pair of Philippe Starck for Emeco Hudson Counter Stool in Aluminum w/ Arms
2010s Pair of Philippe Starck for Emeco Hudson Counter Stool in Aluminum w/ Arms

2010s Pair of Philippe Starck for Emeco Hudson Counter Stool in Aluminum w/ Arms

By Philippe Starck, Emeco

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This is a pair of Hudson Counter Stools with arms, originally designed by Philippe Starck in 2000. These particular examples were produced by Emeco in the USA and date to the 2010s. ...

Category

2010s American Modern Emeco Seating

Materials

Aluminum

2010s Emeco 1951 Red Counter Stool by Adrian van Hooydonk and BMW Designworks
2010s Emeco 1951 Red Counter Stool by Adrian van Hooydonk and BMW Designworks

2010s Emeco 1951 Red Counter Stool by Adrian van Hooydonk and BMW Designworks

By Emeco

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Listed for sale is a single (multiple stools are available, but the price listed is for each stool) 1951 series counter stool, designed by Adrian van Hooydonk from BMW Designworks. T...

Category

1950s American Modern Vintage Emeco Seating

Materials

Aluminum

2010 One Armed Polished Aluminum Kong Bar Stool by Philippe Starck for Emeco
2010 One Armed Polished Aluminum Kong Bar Stool by Philippe Starck for Emeco

2010 One Armed Polished Aluminum Kong Bar Stool by Philippe Starck for Emeco

By Philippe Starck, Emeco

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This is a one armed polished Kong Bar Stool, originally designed by Philippe Starck in 2003. This particular example was produced by Emeco in the USA C. 2010. The stool is made entir...

Category

2010s American Modern Emeco Seating

2010s Christophe Pillet for Emeco Sezz Counter Stool in Brushed Aluminum
2010s Christophe Pillet for Emeco Sezz Counter Stool in Brushed Aluminum

2010s Christophe Pillet for Emeco Sezz Counter Stool in Brushed Aluminum

By Christophe Pillet, Emeco

Located in Philadelphia, PA

These are Sezz Counter Stools, originally designed by Christophe Pillet for Emeco in 2012. These particular examples were produced in the 2010s. Their design is comprised of a brushe...

Category

2010s American Modern Emeco Seating

Materials

Aluminum

2010s Christophe Pillet for Emeco Sezz Bar Stool in Brushed Aluminum
2010s Christophe Pillet for Emeco Sezz Bar Stool in Brushed Aluminum

2010s Christophe Pillet for Emeco Sezz Bar Stool in Brushed Aluminum

By Christophe Pillet, Emeco

Located in Philadelphia, PA

These are Sezz Bar Stools, originally designed by Christophe Pillet for Emeco in 2012. These particular examples were produced in the 2010s. Their design is comprised of a brushed al...

Category

2010s American Modern Emeco Seating

Materials

Aluminum

2022 Nine-O Stacking Bar Stools by Ettore Sottsass w/ Grey Upholstered Seats
2022 Nine-O Stacking Bar Stools by Ettore Sottsass w/ Grey Upholstered Seats

2022 Nine-O Stacking Bar Stools by Ettore Sottsass w/ Grey Upholstered Seats

By Ettore Sottsass, Emeco

Located in Philadelphia, PA

These are original Emeco “Nine-O” Upholstered Bar Stools, designed by Ettore Sottsass in 2008. The listed price includes one stool, and we have several stools available for purch...

Category

2010s American Modern Emeco Seating

Materials

Aluminum

2022 New Nine-O Bar Stools by Ettore Sottsass for Emeco w/ Upholstered Seats, 1
2022 New Nine-O Bar Stools by Ettore Sottsass for Emeco w/ Upholstered Seats, 1

2022 New Nine-O Bar Stools by Ettore Sottsass for Emeco w/ Upholstered Seats, 1

By Emeco, Ettore Sottsass

Located in Philadelphia, PA

These are brand new Emeco “Nine-O” Upholstered Bar Stools, designed by Ettore Sottsass in 2008. The listed price includes one stool, and we have several stools available for purc...

Category

2010s American Modern Emeco Seating

Materials

Aluminum

Emeco seating for sale on 1stDibs.

Emeco seating are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Emeco seating, although gray editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 8 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 566 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original seating by Emeco were created in the modern style in north america during the 21st century and contemporary. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider seating by Jasper Morrison, Adrian Van Hooydonk, and Laurie Beckerman. Prices for Emeco seating can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $330 and can go as high as $12,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $755.