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.
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...
Iron
$1,032Sale Price / set|20% Off
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.
Chrome
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...
Metal, Aluminum
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...
Aluminum
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...
Aluminum
$2,242Sale Price / set|25% Off
H 28 in W 25 in D 23 in
Unique Pair of Rustic Vintage Industrial Garden Chairs with Wooden Log Accents
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Elevate your outdoor space with this stunning pair of rustic vintage garden chairs, masterfully blending raw industrial charm with organic natural elements. These unique chairs featu...
Metal
Set of 2 Purple Cielo Bar Stool by Sebastian Herkner
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 2 purple Cielo bar stool by Sebastian Herkner Materials: Galvanized and powder-coated tubular steel. PVC strings are made from recycled plastic. Technique: Made from recycle...
Steel
$5,731 / set
H 31.11 in W 18.9 in D 25.2 in
Set of 6 Chairs Model B33 by Marcel Breuer, 1970s, Leather and Chrome
Located in Brussels, BE
Set of 6 Chairs Model B33 by Marcel Breuer
Metal
$3,840Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 37 in W 15.5 in D 19.5 in
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...
Aluminum
$1,850 / item
H 44 in W 20 in D 18 in
SHAKER Swivel Bar Chair by AMBROZIA, Cowhide, Leather, Black Metal & Walnut
By AMBROZIA
Located in Drummondville, Quebec
The Shaker swivel bar chair is made to order from our unique Ambrozia black textured steel tubing frame. This contemporary / modern swivel armchair i...
Steel
$3,350 / set
H 31.11 in W 15.83 in D 18.19 in
Set of Six French Dining Chairs with Red Wooden Frame and Straw Seats
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Set of six dining chairs, beech, straw, France, 1960s. Stunning set of French chairs with red beech frames and classic organic straw seats. This set of six dining chairs features a ...
Straw, Beech
Chair - Louis Ghost, Kartell by Starck, 2000
By Philippe Starck
Located in Saint ouen, FR
Chair - Louis Ghost, Kartell by Starck, 2000 Type : Stacking armchair Color : Crystal Material : Plastic Dimensions : W 54 cm x D 55 cm x H 94 - Seat : H 47 cm - Armrests : H 67 cm W...
Plastic
Hello There Desk Chair by Jeremy Harvey for Artifort, 1970s
By Artifort
Located in Barcelona, ES
Explore the fusion of industrial style and Italian modernism with this "Hello There" desk chair designed by Jeremy Harvey for Artifort, an iconic piece that captures the essence of 20th century design. Made entirely of steel, this chair features a distinctive design with the words "Hello" and "There" artistically integrated into the backrest and seat. This feature not only adds a touch of bold style but also reflects the creativity and innovative approach of the era. Artifort, known for its commitment to avant-garde design and quality craftsmanship, leaves its attribution mark discreetly under the seat, ensuring its authenticity and historical value. From Italy, this icon of modernist design has earned a place in furniture history for its unique combination of functionality and aesthetics. Over the years, the chair has developed a natural patina that complements its age and significant use. In some areas, the glossy paint has begun to peel at the edges, revealing its history and adding authentic vintage charm. Ideal for collectors and design aficionados, this Artifort desk chair...
Steel
$7,761
H 31.5 in W 18.12 in D 23.23 in
1970s Marcel Breuer B33 for Knoll Bauhaus Design Chairs, Set of 4
By Marcel Breuer, Knoll
Located in Brescia, IT
Marcel Breuer B33 chairs, pair Knoll International Italy / USA, c. 1970 Chrome-plated steel Fabric Seat Ufficio Tecnico 1971 Ufficio Tecnico, Knoll International's in-house team of engineers and designers, introduced the award-winning Spoleto chair...
Metal
Gastone Rinaldi Chair for Rima 1970s
By Gastone Rinaldi
Located in Čelinac, BA
If you are thinking about purchasing this great piece, feel free to ask for an additional video to be absolutely sure of your choice.
Chrome
Vintage Industrial Age High Back Swivel Medical Chair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Industrial age high back swivel medical chair Stainless Steel Construction Adjustable Seat Height: 20" +/- to 32" +/- "this is sure to be a point of discussion in any ...
Stainless Steel
"Gaja" chair by Kazuhide Takahama for Cassina, 1970s
By Kazuhide Takahama
Located in Bastia Umbra, IT
"Gaja" chair by Kazuhide Takahama for Cassina, Made in Italy, 1970s. This Chair is made of an electro-welded, chrome-plated steel rod. This type is in the version with genuine leathe...
Steel
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...
Aluminum
Set of 5 Emeco 111 Navy Chairs in Red
By Emeco
Located in Los Angeles, CA
set of five Emeco 111 Navy Chairs in striking Coca-Cola red. Each chair is crafted from 111 recycled plastic bottles, a sustainable reinterpretation of Emeco’s iconic aluminum Navy C...
Aluminum
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...
Aluminum
1006 Alumnium Navy Chairs by Emeco
By Philippe Starck, Emeco
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1990s. USA. Price is for the set. Contact us if you’d like to purchase a single item. We have more available. Made in Pennsylvania.
Aluminum
Set of 6 Emeco Aluminum Navy Chairs
By Emeco
Located in Astoria, NY
Emeco Aluminum Navy Chairs, two red armchairs and four brushed-aluminum side chairs. 34" H x 21.25" W x 19" D, seat: 18" H.
Aluminum
Sold
H 32.68 in W 24.02 in D 24.02 in
American modern swivel chairs Hudson brushed aluminum by Starck for Emeco, 2000
By Emeco, Philippe Starck
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...
Metal, Aluminum
Sold
H 33.5 in W 15.5 in D 19.5 in
2010s Set of Eight Philippe Starck Emeco Hudson Polished Aluminum Dining Chairs
By Emeco, Philippe Starck
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a stunning set of eight Hudson dining chairs in Polished aluminum, designed by Philippe Starck and produced by Emeco. This is one of Emeco's most iconic designs and was also Emeco's first collaboration with renowned designer Philippe Starck. The chair was original conceived for the Hudson Hotel in New York City. While the chair is available in a brushed aluminum, the polished example is the more luxurious variant and looks much like a piece of jewelry. The set was just freshly sent to a profession metal polishing studio, where the chairs were again laboriously polished back to perfection. As a result, each chair looks almost as good as the day they left Emeco's factory. The chairs came from the Boston area...
Aluminum
Emeco 111 Navy Chairs by Coca-Cola
By Coca Cola Bottling Co., Emeco
Located in Budapest, Budapest
When two legendary American icons join forces, something big is going to happen! This classic chair from the year 1944 by traditional American chair manufacturer Emeco acquired a new look: The Coca Cola - 111 Navy Chair...
Plastic
Sold
H 31 in W 16.5 in D 26 in
Contemporary Modernist Emeco Superlight Brushed Aluminum Chair by Frank Gehry
By Emeco, Frank Gehry
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
For your consideration is an ecclectic side or accent chair, made of brushed aluminum, by Frank Gehry for Emeco. In excellent condition. The dimensions are 16.5" W x 26" D x 31" B.H....
Aluminum
1950's Original Aluminium Emeco Swivel Office Chair '1334.2'
By Emeco
Located in Hook, Hampshire
1950’s Original Aluminium Emeco Swivel Office Chair (1334.2) 1950’s Original Aluminium Emeco Swivel Office Chair (1334.2). Founded in 1944 in the USA, Emeco rose to commercial fam...
Aluminum
1950's Original Aluminium Emeco Swivel Office Chair '1334'
By Emeco
Located in Hook, Hampshire
1950’s original aluminium Emeco swivel office chair (1334) 1950’s original aluminium Emeco swivel office chair (1334). Founded in 1944 in the USA, Emeco rose to commercial fame wi...
Aluminum
Swivel Desk Chair by Emeco
By Emeco
Located in New York, NY
Sleek architectural swivel desk chair in black with bright steel trim. This chair swivels a full 360 degrees, the back tilts and the backrest also tilts to adjust position. The seat ...
Steel