I'm looking at an Eames arm shell chair from what I would date to the late 50's, but the glides are different. The chair is on an H-base, but the glides are not white nylon but instead made of black rubber and metal. I'm assuming that would date the chair to 1956-1957, but does anybody else know any further information on when the rubber and metal glides may have been used along with an H-base arm chair?
you've got it right...
1956 is the one year that they were produced and advertised. But they are also found on some 1957 shells. I had one pair of side shells that were date stamped '57 with those glides. "Left over stock" is the usual answer.
Some might have existed before 56 though. I have a very early SOLID low lounge height black H base with those same glides that was original to a Summit shell with the small paper label, double triangles and no other markings. A very knowledgeable and trusted source told me that this base was first produced as early as 1954. So even if he is a year off, that would still be 55.
I have looked for the low lounge base with metal glides to match this one I have for about three years now, and have not had any luck. I am still looking so if anybody has one....
I also have one early solid low H base with black plastic beveled tips on the ends of the iron legs, with boot glides. So a very transitional time for the feet from 54-57.
Hope this helps...
That helps a lot. Thank...
That helps a lot. Thank you. Sounds like they're quite rare with their original glides.
The particular chair in question is also 28" tall, which is an odd height. I think that is about the height of the MAX chair, but I didn't think the MAX was produced with the H-base. @EamesHead judging by your username, it appears you are the right person to speak with about Eames furniture...
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