Eames Shells again  

Modern Classic
The modern classic book is both helpful and incredibly frustrating. I love that they chronicle the various permutations the chairs have undergone- shockmounts, bases, feet - but very few dates are attached as to when the changes occurred. Also I'm trying to find a comprehensive listing of which colors were available in what years.
Dr. Pepper - your chair looks like mine - except mine have the stacking base shockmounts. Ps. I love that you got that LCW at a yardsale!
James - Im getting the sense that HM doesnt always have the brightest minds working for them. An inquiry into the various makers marks on the shell chairs resulted in this response:
"we do not have a list of all the various manufacturers"
I find it a tad hard to believe that the parent company doesnt keep track of the various people producing its furniture.
I think I'd like to put together a website detailing the production history. The problem is getting all the legwork done accurately! Especially when you cant always trust the info from HM.

Ugggg.....
So I inquired as to where I could find more accurate information about the history of the shell chairs, with specific regards to the tooling. This was Herman Miller's response:
"Unfortunately, back in the 1950's & 60's, Herman Miller did not keep accurate records when they changed tooling for the shells of the chairs. The dates I gave you can vary a few years either way. I do not know where else you can go for this kind of information. "
Are they effing serious? A major furniture manufacturer goes for TWO decades without keeping good records? Im sending the same request to the Eames office... lets hope for a better reply there.