Aaaaaargh! Herman Miller logos...

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Purple4hat

(@purple4hat)

Active Member

Joined: 9 years ago

Posts: 5

08/03/2015 11:26 pm

Dear AllHave joined this hoping that 'Eameshead' is around (or any other Eames nut) to help identify the age of these 8 shells i've just bought. From what I've read their marks should date them pre 60s... however they don't look anywhere near 50 years old - they don't have that lovely translucency that the old chairs have - although their Eiffel bases look as if Optimus Prime has been using them as toothpicks.You'll see the two different Miller 'M's and all 8 chairs mounts look like they've been stuck on by my 8 year old after a night on the Calpol. I'll see if I can work out how to upload some pics... many thanks in advance.
<img class="wpforo-default-imag

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NULL NULL

(@teapotd0meyahoo-com)

Illustrious Member

Joined: 5 years ago

Posts: 4318

08/03/2015 11:59 pm

Looks like you have Summit and Vitra production there. 1970s or later production.

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Purple4hat

(@purple4hat)

Active Member

Joined: 9 years ago

Posts: 5

09/03/2015 12:38 am

Thanks Woody - would I be right in thinking they're not worth a great deal in that case? Any thoughts on the sloppy mount application?
Cheers.

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NULL NULL

(@teapotd0meyahoo-com)

Illustrious Member

Joined: 5 years ago

Posts: 4318

09/03/2015 3:11 pm

They are worth the fair market value for typical vintage Eames fiberglass shells. If the Eiffel bases are original, they are also valuable. The shock mounts shown have been re-attached, but that isn't a huge detraction.

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Purple4hat

(@purple4hat)

Active Member

Joined: 9 years ago

Posts: 5

09/03/2015 4:00 pm

Hey Woody - thanks again. I have no idea if the bases are original, they are certainly old and knackered and have been spot welded many times. Were the original poorly made? Looks like the original spot welds pop easily?
If you can be bothered are there particular shots of the bases would help determine their provenance?
Many thanks.

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NULL NULL

(@teapotd0meyahoo-com)

Illustrious Member

Joined: 5 years ago

Posts: 4318

09/03/2015 5:44 pm

Original bases did use thinner gauge wires so they were more prone to bending and breaking. It looks like your base has the rubber/metal glides (if I am seeing correctly) which would also indicate vintage.

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Purple4hat

(@purple4hat)

Active Member

Joined: 9 years ago

Posts: 5

09/03/2015 6:51 pm

Thanks again Woody - I'm back home Wednesdsay night - I'll take some pics. Sadly the sliders are plastic...
Would re-chroming the bases effect their value in your opinion? (not that I have the foggiest how much that kind of thing is)
Cheers.

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brbeard

(@brbeard)

Noble Member

Joined: 14 years ago

Posts: 282

09/03/2015 11:06 pm

Is it possible that these were painted? In the photo where the shock mount is missing, it looks like a different color (greige) is showing through. Just a thought on why the finishes may be looking so fresh (and opaque)!

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