Eames Zenith Chairs: Evolution Details?  

Hi
They may have been manufactured using different molds. I have an early side shell (DSR) that has thick edges as well. In fact, the whole shell feels a bit thicker than usual.

thicker = earlier
But there is no definitive reference out there. And some characteristics and components spilled over from one generation to the next.
But to hazard a speculative albeit somewhat researched guesstimate...
1st generation '50-'53
2nd generation '53-'57
transitional '57-'59

Thanks
Thanks to both replies so far...
I forgot to mention on my original post that the thicker (earlier?) of the two "2nd generation" Zenith arm shells has a ghost of what looks to be the shape of the Gardenia CA label on the underside. Is this consistent with the dates you mentioned Lunchbox? Maybe it narrows down the date a bit more in your opinion?
Interesting that the rope edged chairs were possibly produced for three years. I had always assumed it was just one year... thanks again for that.
I remember reading once (way way back) that the "first run" of Zenith chairs was only about 2000 chairs in six colors. But I never could figure out if that was whole production for the first year, or just the first batch, or what.

Actually, I guess I should clarify...
By my assertion, the rope edged chairs were only really produced into '52 and the second generation through '55, maybe '56. So I guess I should've worded that differently And the latest transitional shell I've ever seen or seen documented is '59.
But there's the question of when they were dated and whether it actually correlates to date of birth. I mean, who's to say whether they ink stamped the chairs in California upon production or rather after shipping and possibly selling them in Michigan? There's just no authority out there to clear that up.
If it's the red label you're referring to on your chair, it's pretty safe to say it's '53 or thereabouts.

Thanks for the follow up...
Thanks for the follow up Lunchbox-- I love knowing this stuff, and I appreciate the info.

Seafoam Green anyone?
My favorite color of Eames shell has always been Seafoam Green.
Is there any info out there about rarity of colors in the rope edged chairs?
Or do we simply judge by what shows up on Ebay the most frequently?
Rarity vs popularity is always an interesting dynamic in what drives value.
I have a very rare Eames Coffee table, DTW-5 (or 50?) Same as the square dining table but with the short legs--only a few were made, but the price is not in the stratosphere. So rarity does not always equal high price.

Is this a true Eames rope edge chair?
Hello, I also have an Eames chair with what looks like an emulated rope edge, as Eameshead mentions in the original post. (Please see first picture)  After doing some research, I found other chairs that have a much more defined rope edge. (As shown in the 2nd picture.)  I was wondering if the chair shown in the first picture is a true rope edge chair or a second generation.
Thanks for your help!

Wow, old thread!
Yours looks like a rope edge. It's pretty obvious when there is no rope.

Thanks Eameshead.