Here's a question; why are there so many Eames shells being sold on eBay? I understand about the bases, probably because most of them are not Herman Miller bases, but why do you suppose so many decent condition shells (both vintage, later and upholstered) are sold without their bases? I would think the bases would outlive the shells! This is one reason why I had mentioned in another posting that I wondered if my Eifel base was the one sold with my light blue Vitra shell; it seems like there's alot of separation being done on these chairs. Any ideas?
Think it has as much to do with the consumer as the retailer...
Most like shiny new bases whether they're original or not it would seem. I bought a Zenith shell on low X base a while back and the seller actually asked me if I'd rather he just ship me the shell to save on shipping. Said that's what alot of his buyers do...
what is it with the "saving...
what is it with the "saving on shipping" anyway? If you wrap both parts carefully they can easily be shipped in the same box as a shell, at least in my experience.
EDIT:
Lunchbox, it would be a shame to separate such a vintage shell from that rare base, I can't imagine why anyone would do that as well! Also I sold a low h-base without shell for a very good price on ebay once (I went for an original black h-base instead), so there seems to be a demand for original bases as well.
it just doesn't make sense...
convenience
Barry - the shells have a remarkable value amongst younger folks and beginning collectors. They are an accessible approach to Eames furniture as they are relatively inexpensive and relatively common. Also - due to their use in contract applications there are often hundreds at a time sold without bases (it is easier to sell a lone shell than 100 on a tandem beam) It's quick and convenient to ditch the H bases, as most people assume that the end user will swap out for a fancier dowel/eiffel/cats cradle anyway.
As to your base - I doubt its been changed. While I have often seen people treat the HM bases as disposable I almost never see people trade out the Vitra bases. Most reasons being that the Vitra come standard with the Eiffel base which is seen as more desirable than the H bases.
My personal feelings have evolved from the earlier mindset to treating the chairs as single units. I convinced a local dealer to keep the mid-height lounge H base he was going to trash. Sadly I once swapped out a full set of beautiful condition shells - sold a couple sans bases, put a rocker on one, and only kept one original. Now I wish I had saved the entire set.
As Lucifersum stated, a lot...
As Lucifersum stated, a lot of people just want the shells so they can put their own repro rocker or Eiffel base on them. I, too, am guilty of replacing an contract base with a rocker, but I kept the original base in case I ever want to put the chair back to original condition again.
There are several "dealers" on eBay that buy up loads of shells, slap repro rocker bases on them and sell them for a 25% markup.
Chewy, that dog is really *messed up*. 🙂
fm
I eat...
Bases for breakfast. But fiberglass makes my throat itch.
Seriously, what's the issue? Most people (not all) don't want the H or stacking base. Other types of bases are difficult to find in good vintage condition... which is why they usually go for a premium. So, buying just shell and putting on a new base is a much more viable and convenient option.
The only issue, really,
is when you buy an Eames chair, how can you be sure you're getting the base that came with the shell?
There's so many shells being sold without bases. It's confusing.
I bought a brown vinyl and hopsack fabric upholstered armshell chair on eBay with a LaFonda base.
Then, later on, I wanted to find a LaFonda shell with a 'normal' base so I could pull a switcharoo. That's exactly what happened.
I won a LaFonda shell on a standard pedestal base with wheels! The fabric on the shell was horrible and the foam was petrified.
I switch bases and my friend reupholstered the LaFonda shell using beautiful Ray Eames Crossroads fabric that I bought on eBay, and voila! a 100% LaFonda chair and a 100% upholstered office chair!
There's no question that the dowel and Eifel bases (as well as the rocker) are the rarest vintage bases. I've been toying with buying a dowel repro base on eBay and looking for a nice shell for it.
So it goes.
Regardless of original pairings...
If a chair comes with an authentic base to period and of the same age/patina, it is authentic. Sure, I'd love to know that some of the stuff I have is 'fully original'... But vintage on vintage is good enough for me. I've won a couple of auctions on eBay just for the sake of salvaging originality from junk repro nonsense. Somewhat the same as what you did with your LaFonda and Eames office chair, barry. I think that's admirable in a way. After all these chair were designed to be interchangeable, to be able to conform to function. The same Zenith shell which was originally paired with a low rod could just as easily been paired with an X. It's just the way it came off the line.
Lunchbox did bring up a significant point;
Eames armchair shells, side shells, LaFonda shells and the wire shells were all available with whatever base you wanted. The only base I don't see in the 1949, 1952 or 1957 catalogues is the dowel base, and I'm not sure when that was available!
So, I guess it doesn't matter much if you or someone else pulls a switcharoo on these chairs. Besides, you probably couldn't prove it, anyhow.
When was that dowel base produced? As much as I love the Eifel base, the dowel base is even a bit more attractive (possibily because of it's vintage rarity?)
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