Not sure what to think about this chair.  

I think
I think it looks hungry.... has a very cookie monster feel to it.
EDIT: lest people think I'm being needlessly snarky: I think the overall forms have a bulkiness and a lack of refinement. That being said, not every chair can have the grace and elegance of a Kagan or a Juhl.
I think this would definitely benefit from a rehab - something that puts more contrast between the seat and the frame.

I agree it doesn't have grace...
I agree it doesn't have graceful sleek lines, but compared to what I was using as a desk chair it's a vast improvement. Most of the reason I bought it was I was in need of a desk chair that was within the budget I was willing to spend...I don't have Aeron Chair money. I wanted to avoid another uncomfortable square piece like we already had as well as stay away from the standard Office Max desk chair. When I saw the chair it seemed to be much more form and function than the normal wood desk chair, especially with the pivoting back...just what I need for my bad back. It is very comfortable. Plus, it is built well. Though the fabric is ugly as sin even where it's not faded. A different fabric is most definitely in the future for it. Knowing it's a piece not worth anything there's no problem changing the golden oak color as well...never been a fan of golden oak.
I welcome opinions and whatever insight anyone has. I'm sure most of you know much more of this subject than I. I'm just looking for some style with low budget pockets.

champagne taste on a beer budget...
i totally sympathize...but since you seem to be a rather crafty individual, why not take on the task of turning chicken shit into chicken salad....or even ala king...have at some of the square edges{arm rests, etc.} with a file and sand paper....slim it down a bit..or even remove the arm rests...if you got the time and inclination, this rather ordinary chair could become something you quite like rather than something that will just make do.....

Sometimes a turd can be...
Sometimes a turd can be polished.

eehhh...
i wouldnt call it a turd....we dont all have the means for most of the things posted on here, including myself...but its clear that you're passionate about it or you wouldnt put in so much work on these pieces you've been posting...be happy with what you have and delight in the fact that, while its not ideal, its different...it serves its purpose well and it has more style than most of what you can easily buy new, and you got it dirt cheap...chalk it up as a win....

Some pieces I find are...
Some pieces I find are obviously better than others and this chair is definitely better than most new ones mass produced. The main reason I do this is because I enjoy finding a piece that's in dire shape. A piece that most people look at and figure it's a piece of junk. I see it and I know I can fix it or at least make it better. I also abhor most new furniture made today and refuse to pay so much for junk. The $10.60 I spent on it is money well spent. I know I'll breath new life back into and get it to last another 30 years. A few months down the road I'll come back to this post and post an updated photo...it'll be like night and day.

Made by Eck-Adams
Found a sticker under the leg structure with the name Eck-Adams on it. Looks like they've been making office furniture for a while. I found some MCM benches and chairs they made in the 50's, but most pieces I found were of the "normal" office variety.