Okay, I know about the 5 prong base--which this has. No labels on the bottom but the metal base has engraving that says waterloo ontario canada???
Additionally I am able to see two screws under the the armrest that are drilled into the large back panel. Wish I could post a picture. If my husband can get it up on our site, I will WB with the url. The chair is in terrible shape, the leather is ripped up in several places, but the lady just wants 200 bucks for it as it is sitting in her garage taking up space.
Any other "original" insights?
knockoff
I've had three knockoffs and all of them had the Canada mark on the tilt mechanism.
They also have small screws with dish-shaped washers going through the outer wood to hold the inner shells in. I don't know how the Eames inner shells are held in place but they do not have these visible screws.
Also, the armrests don't have the boxing (welt on two edges). They are usually just a flat platform or sometimes a curved plywood piece like the Eames chair but always with the leather wrapped around and stapled to the underside.
I paid $15, $30, and $75 for my three sets (Goodwill and estate auctions). I wouldn't pay $200 for a knockoff in poor shape.
They're very easy to reupholster, by the way. I just finished my third one. Got a gorgeous hide on ebay for $100 and spent a little more for new foam for the seat. This one had the curved armrests which I redid with boxing to look more Eames-y. It's still not an Eames chair but it will do until I can afford the real thing.
If you need any help, please contact us at – info@designaddict.com