I just got this Eames armchair for basically free from a family who is moving. They said it has been sitting outside for quite a while. I've spent most of today searching the internet and this forum trying to find information to help me identify this chair. The markings on the bottom include a fully-spelled "Herman-Miller," logo, and an S in a circle (for Summits, I've discovered.) There are no other markings that I've found. The bottom is the original H-base with all the feet intact.
I would like to know around what year this chair was made. Also any guesses on the color? It's hard for me to tell with all of the fiber. And is this an SAX or a LAX? Any other interesting info about this chair?
I'm also wondering if I should restore it or not. The texture is pretty rough and there are some stains. There is also a hairline crack at the bottom edge that I'm not sure how to repair. Is it necessary to repair the crack? Will it keep getting worse if I don't? I read that an autobody shop may be able to repair the crack and put a clear coat on it. Is this still a good solution, or is there a better DIY solution (I've seen the Penetrol articles, but I'm not sure I like the high shine). Is there any hope for getting this chair to look good again? Or should I leave it and enjoy it as it is?
Thank you for your help!
Hi,
Production of this H base with the white plastic glides began in in 1957. The Summit shells with the embossed circle S and the Herman Miller letters started in about 1960 onward. So this chair most likely dates to 1960 or some time later. I don't know when the color came out, so perhaps you can google "Eames Medium Blue fiberglass" and that might help to nail down the date it was introduced. Medium Blue is a relatively uncommon color, so maybe it is easy to track down.
I hate the wet look of coated shells too, and besides, the fiberglass is quite interesting on this one as it is, so I would vote to just clean it up a little rather than refinish it or re coat it.
The crack is more problematical. I have not really attempted a fiberglass repair on one of these. I doubt the crack will continue to grow all that much though. The chair has a pretty loud texture, which is nice, so perhaps the crack is not that distracting in real life?
Someone else here might give you some tips on repairing a crack. I believe the archives have a lot of discussion of the pros and cons of fiberglass repair.
Hope this helps!
Medium Blue is a "contract only" color, according to a color chart from 1962.
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