Hello design experts,
I recently acquired an Eames Rocker chair from the 1960s. The rocker base was allegedly original, but I am not sure. Could you help me??
Also, what does the lttle triangle and "SF21482" embossed in the fiber mean?
Thanks very much in advance.
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Object is right, the base is a reproduction.
Main giveaways are the mounting tabs that are squared off on both ends (original mounts are rounded on at least one end of each tab) and the screw holes are far larger than in the original design. (Many of the knock-offs depend on larger holes to allow for less consistent measurements that are usually found on the repros. It is simply easier to make the holes larger than it is to manufacture the bases to tighter specifications)
The welds are also sloppy. Welds on original bases are uniform.
The embossed triangle in the shell indicates manufacture by Summit Plastics, Kalamazoo MI. If I am reading the patent numbers correctly, the shell appears to be made in or around 1957, and this is also supported by the Summit embossment. The fact that there is no "Herman Miller" raised letters embossment on the shell also dates the chair to pre 1960.
No clue what the stamped numbers mean.
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